Functionalizing Gold Nanoparticles with Calix[4]arenes Monolayers for Enhancing Selectivity and Stability in ORR Electrocatalysis
Quentin Lenne, Alice Mattiuzzi, Ivan Jabin, Nicolas Le Poul, Yann R. Leroux, Corinne Lagrost
Abstract
Abstract The deliberate surface modification of nanocatalysts with organic ligands has recently emerged as a promising strategy to boost their efficiency, durability, and/or selectivity in key electrocatalytic processes. The interface between the metallic interface and the immobilized ligands promotes high electrocatalytic activity. Herein, the oxygen reduction reaction activity of gold nanoparticles functionalized with a covalently bound monolayer of calix[4]arenes is compared with commercially available gold nanoparticles, classically stabilized through electrostatic adsorption of citrates onto the gold surfaces. Nanocatalysts coated by calix[4]arenes show enhanced selectivity and stability compared to their citrate‐stabilized counterparts. These nanohybrids exhibit excellent activity with a dominant 4‐electron reduction of O 2 with good electrocatalytic performances along with a high robustness under operation as revealed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses.