Simple preparation of Pd-Pt nanoalloy catalysts for methanol-tolerant oxygen reduction

Carbon-supported Pd-Pt bimetallic nanoparticles of different atomic ratios (Pd-Pt/C) have been prepared by a simple procedure involving the complexing of Pd and Pt species with sodium citrate followed by ethylene glycol reduction. As-prepared Pd-Pt alloy nanoparticles evidence a single-phase fcc disordered structure, and the degree of alloying is found to increase with Pd content. Both X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy characterizations indicate that all the Pd-Pt/C catalysts possess a similar mean particle size of ca. 2.8 nm. The highest mass and specific activity of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) using the Pd-Pt/C catalysts are found with a Pd:Pt atomic ratio of 1:2. Moreover, all Pd-Pt alloy catalysts exhibit significantly enhanced methanol tolerance during the ORR than the Pt/C catalyst, ensuring a higher ORR performance while diminishing Pt utilization. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.