Breaking Scaling Relations by Bimodal Strain in Mixed-Phase Hybrid Intermetallic Nanocrystals

Zn/PtZn intermetallic nanodomains. The bimodal strain allows concurrently facilitated consecutive bond cleavage reactions against O-H and C-H groups in formic acid electro-oxidation, which are bridged by fast surface diffusion of formate species across the Pt surface with minimized energy barrier. The mixed-phase hybrid heterostructure outperforms similar Pt-terminated monophase nanocrystals accommodating unimodal strain of either compressive or tensile types and breaks the well-established activity versus strain volcano relationship.