Au incorporated sandwich Pd@PdAu@Pt nanocubes for efficient electrocatalytic ethanol oxidation reaction

Abstract

Pt-based nanocrystals are promising candidates for high-performance ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) catalysts, but they suffer from structure deterioration and unsatisfactory activity. Herein, we fabricated PdAu interlayer incorporated Pd@PdAu@Pt nanocubes to enhance the structural stability and catalytic activity. The thin PdAu layer can not only protect the core–shell structure from dissolution but also tune the d-electrons of the surface Pt shell through the ligand effect. The prepared Pd@PdAu@Pt nanocubes exhibit an enhanced mass activity of 3.75 A mg_Pt⁻¹ and promote long-term durability.