Electrodeposition of triangular Pd rod nanostructures and their electrocatalytic and SERS activities

We report a simple one-step electrodeposition of triangular Pd rod nanostructures on clean Au substrates without additives. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical techniques were utilized to characterize the structural features of the triangular Pd rod nanostructures. The regulation of the electrodeposition rate by optimizing the electrolyte concentration and applied potential was critical for the anisotropic growth of Pd in the vertical direction. The triangular Pd rod structures exhibited electrocatalytic activities for oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation reactions. These surfaces could be effectively utilized as reproducible surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) active substrates to produce stable SERS signals under electrochemical systems. A simple preparation of well-defined triangular Pd rod structures would allow new opportunities in various areas utilizing Pd-based nanostructured surfaces.