Post-synthesis dispersion of metal nanoparticles by poly(amidoamine) dendrimers: size-selective inclusion, water solubilization, and improved catalytic performance

Intermetallic Pt3Ti nanoparticles are solubilized in water by using a generation-five, hydroxyl-terminated, poly(amidoamine) dendrimer, G5OH, as a post-synthesis surfactant. Pt3Ti nanoparticles, encapsulated in G5OH and dispersed over the electrode surface, exhibited a superior catalytic activity toward the electro-reduction reaction of oxygen compared to as-prepared, highly agglomerated nanoparticles.