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Electrocatalytic Properties of Binary PdSn Nanoparticles for Ethanol Oxidation
Xiaoling Zhang1, Fengyi Xue1, Xuemei Ren2
1Institute of Materials for Energy and Environment, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, P. R. China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|April 27, 2026
Summary
Direct ethanol fuel cells utilize efficient alloyed palladium-tin (PdSn) bimetallic catalysts for ethanol oxidation. PdSn nanoparticles synthesized in DMF solvent show superior catalytic activity and stability for energy conversion.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) offer advantages like diverse fuel sources and high energy density.
- Alloyed palladium-tin (PdSn) bimetallic catalysts enhance ethanol oxidation efficiency in DEFCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To hydrothermally synthesize alloyed PdSn nanoparticles in various solvents.
- To investigate the electrocatalytic performance of PdSn nanoparticles for ethanol oxidation.
Main Methods:
- Hydrothermal synthesis of PdSn nanoparticles using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and l-AA in NMP, MEA, and DMF.
- Electrochemical characterization using cyclic voltammetry to assess ethanol oxidation activity.
Main Results:
- PdSn nanoparticles exhibited enhanced catalytic activity compared to Pd/C.
- PdSn-DMF showed the highest current density (1884 mA·mg-1) for ethanol oxidation.
- PdSn-DMF demonstrated a low electron transfer barrier and superior catalytic stability.
Conclusions:
- Optimized electronic structure and coordination environment of PdSn nanoparticles improve electrocatalytic performance.
- Solvent choice significantly impacts the catalytic properties of PdSn nanoparticles.
- Rational design of Pd-based nanostructures is key for high electrocatalytic performance in DEFCs.
