Porous Gold Nanotubes for Enhanced Methanol Oxidation Catalysis

Porous gold nanostructures have attracted significant interest as conduits for catalysis in fuel cell applications. We synthesized new porous gold nanotubes through a simple process combining galvanic displacement of silver by gold thiocyanate [Au(SCN)₄^-], which in parallel underwent spontaneous crystallization/reduction. The porous Au nanotube electrodes featured high electrochemically active surface area and displayed excellent catalytic properties for methanol oxidation. The porous Au nanotube architecture was stable, recyclable, and could be readily employed as a catalytic platform in methanol fuel cells.