Synthesis of carbon-supported PdSn-SnO2 nanoparticles with different degrees of interfacial contact and enhanced catalytic activities for formic acid oxidation

• Published in: Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP 2013-01, Vol.15 (33), p.13999-145
• Main Authors: Wang, Hui, Liu, Ziyue, Ma, Yanjiao, Julian, Key, Ji, Shan, Linkov, Vladimir, Wang, Rongfang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalysis; Chemistry; Colloidal state and disperse state; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Physical and chemical studies. Granulometry. Electrokinetic phenomena; Surface physical chemistry; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry
• ISSN: 1463-9076; 1463-9084
• DOI: 10.1039/c3cp52101j

The conjunction of the PdSn alloy and SnO 2 is of interest for improving catalytic activity in formic acid oxidation (FAO). Here, we report the synthesis of PdSn-SnO 2 nanoparticles and a study of their catalytic FAO activity. Different degrees of interfacial contact between SnO 2 and PdSn were obtained using two different stabilizers (sodium citrate and EDTA) during the reduction process in catalyst preparation. Compared to the PdSn alloy, PdSn-SnO 2 supported on carbon black showed enhanced FAO catalytic activity due to the presence of SnO 2 species. It was also found that interfacial contact between the PdSn alloy and the SnO 2 phase has an impact on the activity towards CO oxidation and FAO. Compared to the PdSn alloy, the presence of SnO 2 species, particularly SnO 2 nano-islands, can promote the catalytic activity of the PdSn alloy for formic acid oxidation.