Structural Analysis of PtPd Core-Shell Bimetallic Nanoparticles and their Enhanced Catalytic Performance for Ethanol Oxidation Reaction

Direct alcohol fuel cells are claiming to be one of the primary clean power sources to attain a sustainable future. In the present study, PtPd core-shell bimetallic nanoparticles (CSNPs) were synthesized by the polyol method. The shell was adjusted by adding an increased amount of Pd precursor on pre-synthesized Pt nanoparticles. The morphology and atomic structure of the PtPd CSNPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. PtPd CSNPs were successfully supported on Vulcan XC-72 carbon and verified by scanning electron microscopy. The electrocatalysts were tested by cyclic voltammetry in an alkaline medium for the activity performance to ethanol oxidation reaction. The stability along with the presence of poisoning carbonaceous species was investigated by chronoamperometry and voltammetry cycles. Also, the cyclic durability was analysed. The results confirmed that the catalytic performance depends on the elemental composition of PtPd CSNPs, showing the optimum catalytic properties to PtPd (1 : 0.5)/C than commercial Pt/C.

Automated summary

In this study, PtPd core-shell bimetallic nanoparticles were synthesized and supported on carbon for ethanol oxidation reaction. The electrochemical tests showed that PtPd (1 : 0.5)/C catalyst exhibited better catalytic performance than commercial Pt/C.