Novel Strategy for Preparation of Graphene-Pd, Pt Composite, and Its Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity for Alcohol Oxidation

As advanced electrodes for direct alcohol fuel cells, graphene-Pd and graphene-Pt composites with a trace of SnO2 have been successfully synthesized by a modified electroless plating technique. The surface of graphene oxide is first sensitized by Sn2+ ions, and subsequently, Pd or Pt nanoparticles are deposited on the surface of graphene oxide. Finally, graphene oxide was reduced to graphene by further adding NaBH4. Compared to other carbon-(e.g., Vulcan XC-72R) supported Pd and Pt, the resultant graphene-Pd and Pt composites exhibit better electrocatalytic activity and long-term stability toward alcohol electrooxidation. Additionally, a trace amount of SnO2 formed around active catalysts may also be beneficial to the enhancement of electrochemical activity.