Facile synthesis of three-dimensional Pt–Pd alloyed multipods with enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability for ethylene glycol oxidation

Abstract

A facile one-pot solvothermal method was developed for the fabrication of well-defined three-dimensional highly branched Pt–Pd alloyed multipods, using ethylene glycol as a solvent and a reducing agent, along with N-methylimidazole as a structure-directing agent, without any seed, template, or surfactant. The as-prepared nanocrystals exhibited a relatively large electrochemically active surface area, improved electrocatalytic activity and superior stability for ethylene glycol oxidation in alkaline media, compared with commercial Pt black and Pd black, making them promising electrocatalysts in fuel cells.