Pd@Pt core–shell nanostructures for improved electrocatalytic activity in methanol oxidation reaction

• Published in: Applied catalysis. B, Environmental Environmental, 2015-12, Vol.179, p.178-184
• Main Authors: Lee, Young-Woo, Lee, Jin-Yeon, Kwak, Da-Hee, Hwang, Eui-Tak, Sohn, Jung Inn, Park, Kyung-Won
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Core shell; Cube; Methanol oxidation reaction; Palladium; Platinum
• ISSN: 0926-3373; 1873-3883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2015.05.029

[Display omitted] •The Pd@Pt core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared via a hetero-nucleation.•The Pd@Pt NPs exhibited a well-defined cubic nanostructure.•The Pd@Pt NPs showed ∼2.5nm thickness of Pt shell.•The Pd@Pt NPs exhibited an improved specific activity in methanol electrooxidation. The core–shell nanostructures are developed as a way to improve the specific mass activity of the catalyst for the methanol electrooxidation reaction. We prepared the shape-controlled Pd@Pt core–shell nanoparticles using a seeding method with hetero-nucleation process in the presence of PVP. The as-prepared Pd@Pt core–shell nanoparticles consist of a well-defined core–shell structure with a Pd core and Pt shell, cubic shape exposed {100} facets, ∼97% yield, and approximately 2.5nm thickness of Pt shell. The cubic Pd@Pt nanoparticles exhibit remarkably improved electrochemical properties i.e., improved specific mass current density and more negative potential of the forward peak for methanol electrooxidation in comparison with pure cubic Pt and commercial Pt electrocatalysts.