Fabrication of Pd/P nanoparticle networks with high activity for methanol oxidation

Abstract

Highly active self-supported Pd/P nanoparticle networks were synthesized as anode electrocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cell reactions. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the Pd/P catalysts. The results indicated that the composition does not affect the network structure. The electrocatalytic performances of elemental Pd, Pd₄/P₁, Pd₂/P₁ and Pd₁/P₁ nanoparticles were examined and the experimental results indicated that the Pd₂/P₁ catalyst showed optimal current densities in cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry measurements, which may be attributed to the electronic effect and its special nanostructure, having an interconnecting net structure, good electrical conductivity and high surface area. We postulate that the present method can be used as a promising and alternative approach for the design of anode electrocatalysts in direct methanol alkaline fuel cells.