Abstract: A method of forming a structure on a substrate includes forming an adhesion layer on a substrate. The method further includes forming a tungsten containing layer in-situ with the adhesion layer. The tungsten containing layer is formed by a one-time soak process including soaking the substrate once, and only once, in a first gas, purging the first gas, and soaking the substrate once, and only once, in a second gas. The method further includes removing the tungsten containing layer from the adhesion layer.

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: Electrocatalysts for use in fuel cells are claimed. The electrocatalysts include a particle core of a metal selected from W, Mo, and Re and a metal selected from Ni, Fe, and Co. A layer of Pd is adhered to the core, and a layer of catalytically active metal is adhered to the layer of Pd. A fuel cell and a method for producing electrical energy are also claimed.