Size-controlled PdO/graphene oxides and their reduction products with high catalytic activity

Abstract

A simple two-step method for the preparation of Pd nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide (Pd/RGO) is reported. Well-dispersed and size-controlled Pd/RGO was synthesized through reduction of PdO nanoparticles on graphene oxide (PdO/GO) with hydrazine hydrate and ammonia at 80 °C for 4 hours. The PdO/GO was successfully prepared by mixing GO and Pd(NO₃)₂ aqueous solution together without adding any additional chemicals. The sizes and morphologies of PdO nanoparticles can be controlled by changing the concentrations of Pd(NO₃)₂, reaction temperatures and times. The results suggest that a small scale increase of the loadings of Pd supported on RGO can significantly improve the catalytic activity of Pd/RGO, and the stability is much better than that of commercial Pd/C catalysts for methanol electrooxidation and the Suzuki reaction.