Synthesis of carbon-supported PdSn–SnO2nanoparticles with different degrees of interfacial contact and enhanced catalytic activities for formic acid oxidation

Abstract

The conjunction of the PdSn alloy and SnO₂ is of interest for improving catalytic activity in formic acid oxidation (FAO). Here, we report the synthesis of PdSn–SnO₂ nanoparticles and a study of their catalytic FAO activity. Different degrees of interfacial contact between SnO₂ and PdSn were obtained using two different stabilizers (sodium citrate and EDTA) during the reduction process in catalyst preparation. Compared to the PdSn alloy, PdSn–SnO₂ supported on carbon black showed enhanced FAO catalytic activity due to the presence of SnO₂ species. It was also found that interfacial contact between the PdSn alloy and the SnO₂ phase has an impact on the activity towards CO oxidation and FAO.