Self-Template Synthesis of Ag–Pt Hollow Nanospheres as Electrocatalyst for Methanol Oxidation Reaction

Ag–Pt bimetallic hollow nanospheres have been prepared through a one-pot, wet-chemical route. The formation of the hollow nanostructure can be explained by a self-template mechanism in which initially formed silver nanoparticles serve as the template. The Ag–Pt hollow nanospheres with an Ag/Pt ratio of 0.89:1 show the best electrochemical catalytic performances in the methanol oxidation reaction. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of the Ag–Pt hollow nanospheres is also much better than that of commercial Pt/C catalyst. The superior electrochemical performance of the Ag–Pt hollow nanospheres can be ascribed to the hollow nanostructure and the synergistic effect of Ag and Pt.