PdCu@Pd Nanocube with Pt-like Activity for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Modulating electronic properties of metal surfaces can weaken hydrogen intermediate binding energy, enhancing catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
• Palladium (Pd) based catalysts are effective for HER but costly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cost-effective catalyst with enhanced activity and durability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
• To investigate the surface properties and catalytic performance of novel PdCu alloy derived nanostructures.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of PdCu alloy nanocubes (NCs) via coreduction of Cu(acac)2 and Na2PdCl4 using oleylamine (OAm) and trioctylphosphine (TOP).
• Anodization of PdCu NCs to form core@shell PdCu@Pd NCs.
• Electrochemical characterization of the PdCu@Pd NCs for HER activity and durability.

Main Results:

• Core@shell PdCu@Pd NCs exhibited significantly enhanced, platinum-like activity for the HER.
• The novel nanostructures demonstrated superior durability compared to conventional catalysts.
• Strain and ligand effects on edge-exposed Pd atoms were identified as key factors for improved performance.

Conclusions:

• Core@shell PdCu@Pd NCs offer a promising strategy for cost reduction in HER catalysis.
• The developed catalyst presents a new perspective for achieving excellent HER performance.
• Surface property modulation is crucial for enhancing catalytic efficiency and stability.