Abstract: In one aspect, nanoparticles for ethanol oxidation are described herein, which comprise a core including at least one Group IB metal and a shell disposed over the core, wherein the shell comprises islands of alloyed platinum group metals. In another aspect, an electrode is described herein, which in some embodiments, comprises a substrate and electrocatalytic nanoparticles deposited over the substrate. In some embodiments, the electrode described herein further comprises a layer of carbon nanoparticles positioned between the substrate and the electrocatalytic nanoparticles. In yet another aspect, a method of ethanol oxidation is described herein. In some embodiments, such a method comprises (i) providing an electrode comprising a substrate and electrocatalytic nanoparticles deposited over the substrate, (ii) disposing the electrode in an alkaline medium comprising ethanol; and (iii) oxidizing the ethanol with the electrode.

Abstract: Truncated ditetragonal gold prisms (Au TDPs) are synthesized by adding a dilute solution of gold seeds to a growth solution, and allowing the growth to proceed to completion. The Au TDPs exhibit the face-centered cubic crystal structure and are bounded by 12 high-index {310} facets. The Au TDPs may be used as heterogeneous catalysts as prepared, or may be used as substrates for subsequent deposition of an atomically thin layer of a platinum group metal catalyst. When the Au TDPs are used as substrates, the atomically thin layer of metal reproduces the high-index facets of the Au TDPs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing metal-coated palladium or palladium-alloy particles. The method includes contacting hydrogen-absorbed palladium or palladium-alloy particles with one or more metal salts to produce a sub-monoatomic or monoatomic metal- or metal-alloy coating on the surface of the hydrogen-absorbed palladium or palladium-alloy particles. The invention also relates to methods for producing catalysts and methods for producing electrical energy using the metal-coated palladium or palladium-alloy particles of the present invention.