Amorphous CuPt Alloy Nanotubes Induced by Na2S2O3 as Efficient Catalysts for the Methanol Oxidation Reaction

Here we propose amorphous CuPt alloy hollow nanotubes as efficient catalysts for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) prepared by Na2S2O3-assisted galvanic replacement reaction. The formation mechanism can be explained by the nanoscale Kirkendall-effect-induced hollowing process of the galvanic replacement reaction. The electrochemical tests suggest that the amorphous CuPt alloy exhibits better MOR activity and stability than the crystalline CuPt and commercial Pt/C catalysts, which can be ascribed to the enhanced CO tolerance ability of amorphous alloy. XPS measurements demonstrate that the enhanced anti-CO poison characteristic of amorphous CuPt alloy originates from the strong interaction between Pt and Cu atoms as a result of a unique crystallization state. This research not only provides a facile approach to synthesize amorphous alloy but also opens up an interesting way for amorphous Pt-based alloy to apply to the MOR.