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Published on: June 9, 2023
Mixed-phase PdRu bimetallic structures with high activity and stability for formic acid electrooxidation
Dongshuang Wu1, Zhaoliang Zheng, Shuiying Gao
1Key Laboratory of Coal to Ethylene Glycol and Its Related Technology, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Science, 155 Yangqiao West Road, Fuzhou Fujian, China.
Optimizing palladium-ruthenium (PdRu) nanoparticle structure enhances electrocatalytic performance for formic acid oxidation. Mixed-phase PdRu nanostructures, particularly PR-2, show superior activity and potential for restorable fuel cell catalysts.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science: Nanoparticle synthesis and characterization.
- Electrochemistry: Electrocatalysis for direct formic acid fuel cells.
Background:
- Developing efficient electrocatalysts is crucial for direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs).
- The structure and composition of bimetallic nanoparticles significantly influence their electrocatalytic activity and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of different structures of Palladium-Ruthenium (PdRu) nanoparticles on their electrocatalytic properties.
- To design and synthesize PdRu nanoparticles with controlled structures for formic acid electrooxidation.
- To identify the optimal PdRu nanostructure for enhanced performance and durability in DFAFC applications.
Main Methods:
- One-pot polyol synthesis of PdRu nanoparticles with three distinct structures: single-phase nanodendrites (PR-1), mixed-phase nanodendrites and Ru NPs (PR-2), and mixed-phase Pd and Ru NPs (PR-3).
- Electrochemical characterization including cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry to evaluate electrocatalytic activity and stability.
- Analysis of electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) and hydrogen storage capacity.
Main Results:
- All synthesized PdRu nanoparticles outperformed commercial Pd/C catalysts in formic acid electrooxidation.
- The mixed-phase PdRu nanodendrites (PR-2) exhibited the highest peak current density.
- PR-2 demonstrated excellent electrocatalytic properties, with both Pd-connected and monometallic Ru NPs contributing to improved performance and potential for catalyst restoration.
Conclusions:
- The structure of PdRu nanoparticles critically impacts their electrocatalytic performance for formic acid oxidation.
- Mixed-phase nanostructures, like PR-2, offer a promising strategy for developing highly active and durable electrocatalysts.
- The enhanced ECSA and hydrogen storage capacity suggest the potential for highly restorable catalysts in DFAFCs.
