Effect of deposition sequences on electrocatalytic properties of PtPd/C catalysts for formic acid electrooxidation

PtPd/C catalysts with different surface compositions (Pt + Pd, Pt-Pd and Pd-Pt) were synthesized with different deposition sequences, and characterized by electrochemical experiments and XPS measurements. The different catalytic characteristics for formic acid electrooxidation occurred on the three PtPd/C catalysts were preliminarily discussed according to the oxidation pathway. Due to the synergistic effect between Pt and Pd, especially for Pt + Pd, the catalytic stability for formic acid oxidation was greatly increased. The results are helpful in preparing of PtPd catalyst and understanding the oxidation mechanism for formic acid oxidation. (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.