Three-dimensionally grown thorn-like Cu nanowire arrays by fully electrochemical nanoengineering for highly enhanced hydrazine oxidation.

This communication reports fully electrochemical nanoengineering toward three-dimensionally grown thorn-like Cu nanowire arrays (CNWAs) as a highly efficient and durable electrocatalyst for hydrazine oxidation. Characterized by substantial negative shifting of the onset potential and an enlarged catalytic current density, the CNWAs afforded greatly enhanced hydrazine oxidation activity, even transcending that of the Pt/C catalyst at a higher reaction rate. The parameters of the electrochemical engineering and metallization methods were found to be essentially influential on the microstructure, and thus the electrocatalytic activity of the CNWAs. The present work typifies a flexible and expandible route toward integrated electrodes of metallic 1D nanostructures which are of interest in advancing the performance of cutting-edge electrochemical applications.