Au/Pd core–shell nanoparticles for enhanced electrocatalytic activity and durability

• Published in: Electrochemistry communications Vol. 23; pp. 133 - 136
• Main Authors: Hsu, Chiajen, Huang, Chienwen, Hao, Yaowu, Liu, Fuqiang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.09.2012; Amsterdam Elsevier; New York, NY
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Electrochemistry; Electronic coupling; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cell; Fuel cells; Nanoparticle; Electrochemistry; Pd; Nanoparticle; Electronic coupling; Fuel cell; Gold; Stability; Durability; Transition metal; Palladium; Formic acid fuel cells; X ray; Core-shell particle; X ray diffraction; Surface structure; Electrocatalysis; Lifetime; Transmission electron microscopy; Morphology; Photoelectron spectrometry; Oxidation; Electrochemical reaction; Platinoid
• ISSN: 1388-2481; 1873-1902
• DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2012.07.027

Unique Au/Pd core–shell nanoparticles were synthesized via galvanic replacement of Cu by Pd on hollow Au nano-spheres. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical measurements. The Au/Pd nanoparticles exhibit superior formic acid oxidation (FAO) performance, lower CO-stripping potential, and long-term durability and stability compared to commercial Pd black due to enhanced electronic coupling between the Au core and Pd shell, which is confirmed by XPS results. ► Unique Au/Pd core–shell nanoparticles were synthesized via galvanic replacement of Cu by Pd on hollow Au spheres. ► The electronic coupling between the Pd shell and Au core was varied by the thickness of the former. ► The area-specific current densities of the Au/Pd catalysts are more than three times of the Pd black. ► The Au/Pd nanoparticles showed ~0.14V lower CO oxidation potential than the commercial Pd black. ► The Au/Pd catalysts maintained 70% of the initial ECSA after 14,000cycles.