PdCu alloy hollow nanosphere as an efficient multifunctional electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction and alcohol oxidation reaction

Abstract

Exploring high-performance electrocatalysts is essential for the commercial application of direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs). The catalytic activity and stability of Pd-based catalysts can be improved by rationally designing the morphology and composition of Pd-based catalysts. In this study, hollow spherical PdCu alloy catalysts with a rough surface were synthesized. The experimental results show that the prepared PdCu catalysts exhibit excellent electrochemical performance in the alcohol oxidation reaction (AOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Specifically, for ethanol oxidation, the hollow spherical PdCu alloy with a Pd-to-Cu molar ratio of 1 : 1 displays excellent mass activity of up to 4361 mA mg_Pd⁻¹. Additionally, it exhibits outstanding ORR performance, with an onset potential of 0.94 V and a half-wave potential of 0.77 V, which is better than that of the commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst. Overall, the PdCu electrocatalysts synthesized in the present investigation provide valuable insights into the practical applications of DAFCs.