Pt–Ni alloyed nanocrystals with controlled architectures for enhanced methanol oxidation

Pt–Ni alloy nanocrystals with controlled architectures (multi-arms and flowers) have been synthesized via a simple colloid chemistry method. The crystal surfaces possess abundant low-coordination defect sites, where the reaction kinetics of methanol oxidation can be improved, resulting in the catalysts exhibiting better stability and higher resistance to poisoning.