In situ X‐ray Absorption Analysis of ∼1.8 nm Dendrimer‐Encapsulated Pt Nanoparticles during Electrochemical CO Oxidation

Abstract

We report an in situ X-ray absorption-fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopic analysis of ∼1.8 nm Pt dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) during electrocatalytic oxidation of CO. The results indicate that Pt nanoparticles encapsulated within poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers and immobilized on a carbon electrode retain their electrocatalytic activity and are structurally stable for extended periods during CO oxidation. This is a significant finding, because nanoparticles in this size range are good experimental models for comparison to first-principles calculations if they remain stable.