Facile synthesis of PdCu nanocluster-assembled granular films as highly efficient electrocatalysts for formic acid oxidation

摘要

Developing efficient and stable bimetallic Pdbased anode electrocatalysts toward formic acid oxidation(FAO)is of great significance for commercial applications of direct formic acid fuel cells(DFAFCs).Herein,we report a facile synthesis approach to fabricate PdCu nanoclusters(NCs)catalysts with granular-film structure.The introduction of Cu can adjust the electronic structure and d-band center of Pd,which can improve the catalytic performance of the catalysts.Compared with Pd NCs catalyst,the catalytic durability and activity of PdCu NCs catalysts for FAO are greatly improved.The order for catalytic activity of NC metals is Pd_(85)Cu_(15)NCs>Pd_(70)Cu_(30)NCs>Pd NCs.The maximum mass activity can be acquired with the Pd_(85)Cu_(15)NCs catalyst,which is about1.7 times that of the Pd NCs catalyst.And Pd_(85)Cu_(15)NCs catalyst still maintains the highest catalytic current density after 50 cycles,indicating that Pd_(85)Cu_(15)NCs catalyst has the best durability and electrocatalytic activity for FAO.Our work provides a new prospect for the design of highly efficient anode catalysts materials for DFAFCs.