We report novel PtW solid-solution nanoparticles (NPs) produced through electrochemical cleaning of core/shell PtW@WO 3 NPs. The resulting PtW NPs achieved a record hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance as a class of Pt-based solid-solution alloys. A current density of 10 mA cm −2 was reached with an overpotential of 19.4 mV, which is significantly lower than that of a commercial Pt catalyst (26.3 mV). The PtW NPs also exhibited long-term stability. Theoretical calculations revealed that negatively charged Pt atoms adjacent to a W atom provide favorable hydrogen adsorption energies for the HER, realizing significantly enhanced HER activity.

We report the synthesis of MoRu solid-solution alloy nanoparticles using carbonyl complexes as a precursor through a thermal decomposition, and their catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction.

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Transition metal nanoparticles (NPs) are promising materials for use as catalysts in many processes, although they are easily oxidized under ambient conditions. In this communication, a novel synthetic method is proposed for producing zero-valent iron (Fe) NPs by laser ablation under atmospheric conditions using the reducing properties of a formate-based ionic liquid solvent. The valence state of Fe was confirmed using X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The Fe NPs adopt a face centered cubic structure after synthesis, which gradually transforms to a body centered cubic structure after one month. The method can be extended to the synthesis of other transition metal NPs that are easily oxidized.