Size-controlled PdO/graphene oxides and their reduction products with high catalytic activity

A simple two-step method for the preparation of Pd nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide (Pd/RGO) is reported. Well-dispersed and size-controlled Pd/RGO was synthesized through reduction of PdO nanoparticles on graphene oxide (PdO/GO) with hydrazine hydrate and ammonia at 80 degrees C for 4 hours. The PdO/GO was successfully prepared by mixing GO and Pd(NO3)(2) aqueous solution together without adding any additional chemicals. The sizes and morphologies of PdO nanoparticles can be controlled by changing the concentrations of Pd(NO3)(2), reaction temperatures and times. The results suggest that a small scale increase of the loadings of Pd supported on RGO can significantly improve the catalytic activity of Pd/RGO, and the stability is much better than that of commercial Pd/C catalysts for methanol electrooxidation and the Suzuki reaction.