Catalytic activities for methanol oxidation on ultrathin CuPt₃ wavy nanowires with/without smart polymer

Superior catalytic activity and stability for the methanol oxidation reaction of a direct methanol-air fuel cell is achieved with "clean" ultrathin CuPt₃ wavy nanowires. The nanowires are synthesized for the first time by functionalizing CuPt₃ nanoparticles with amine-terminated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), a thermosensitive "smart" polymer having a phase transition at a liquid-electrolyte T_t (low critical solution temperature, 35 °C). Interestingly, retention of the functionalizing smart polymer on the surface of the nanowires reversibly switches the catalytic activity to lower rates above the T_t. The catalytic performance of the "clean" CuPt₃ nanowires is shown to be significantly improved over that of commercial Pt black catalyst, owing to their unique structural advantages and bimetallic synergetic effect.