Facet-dependent electrocatalytic activities of Pd nanocrystals toward the electro-oxidation of hydrazine

The different atomic arrangements of noble metal nanocrystals with varying facets will largely affect the catalytic activity. Rhombic dodecahedral, octahedral, cubic Pd single-nanocrystalline crystals are exclusively enclosed by {100}, {111}, and {110} facets, respectively. Herein, the electro-oxidation of hydrazine in basic solutions catalyzed by these Pd single-nanocrystalline crystals was investigated. The onset potentials were about -0.48V, -0.43 V, -038 V, and -0.43 V for {110}-, {111}-, and {100}-faceted Pd nanocrystals and commercial Pd/C catalysts, respectively. {110} facets possess the highest specific activity and mass activity. The specific activity of Pd rhombic dodecahedra was 147% higher than that of commercial Pd/C catalysts. The mass activity of Pd rhombic dodecahedral nanocatalysts at -0.2 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) was 60.3%, 113.6%, and 354% higher than that of Pd octahedra, cubes, and commercial Pd/C catalysts at 600 s, respectively. This study is significant to effectively utilize Pd catalysts in fuel cell, industry productions, and pollutant processes. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.