Novel PdAu@Au/C Core-Shell Catalyst: Superior Activity and Selectivity in Formic Acid Decomposition for Hydrogen Generation

A novel PdAu bimetallic catalyst with a PdAu@Au core-shell nanostructure supported on carbon was facilely synthesized by a simultaneous reduction method without using any stabilizer. The structure was characterized by cyclic voltammetry. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-angle annular dark-field scanning TEM combining with X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The obtained catalyst was applied in hydrogen generation from formic acid decomposition. Results show that the structured bimetallic catalyst possesses superior activity, high selectivity, and stability at low temperature. The reforming gas from formic acid decomposition contains only 30 ppm of CO and can be used directly in fuel cell.