Facile synthesis of Pd nanostructures with enhanced electrocatalytic performance for ethanol oxidation by a bio-based method

A facile method was developed for the controlled synthesis of well-defined Pd nanoparticles and nanowires, with the assistance of polyhedrin as a growth-directing agent. The concentration of polyhedrin plays a key role in the final morphology. The cyclic voltammetry and current–time tests demonstrate that the Pd samples show vastly superior electrocatalytic properties compared to the commercial Pd/C catalysts. Moreover, the Pd supported by carbon black or multi-wall carbon nanotube exhibits significantly enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward ethanol oxidation, indicating a great potential for application in fuel cells.