Shape-control of super-branched Pd–Cu alloys with enhanced electrocatalytic performance for ethylene glycol oxidation

Abstract

Pd–Cu alloys with adjustable morphologies were synthesized and examined as nanocatalysts for electro-oxidation of ethylene glycol. The Cu²⁺ can effectively adjust the morphology of the Pd–Cu alloys. The as-prepared super-branched Pd–Cu alloys exhibit a greatly enhanced catalytic activity toward ethylene glycol electro-oxidation, because the super-branched structure creates abundant surface active sites and a suitable electronic landscape benefiting from alloying Pd with Cu.