Pd@Pt core-shell nanostructures for improved electrocatalytic activity in methanol oxidation reaction

Abstract

The core-shell nanostructures are developed as a way to improve the specific mass activity of the catalyst for the methanol electrooxidation reaction. We prepared the shape-controlled Pd@Pt core-shell nanoparticles using a seeding method with hetero-nucleation process in the presence of PVP. The as-prepared Pd@Pt core-shell nanoparticles consist of a well-defined core-shell structure with a Pd core and Pt shell, cubic shape exposed {100} facets, similar to 97% yield, and approximately 2.5 nm thickness of Pt shell. The cubic Pd@Pt nanoparticles exhibit remarkably improved electrochemical properties i.e., improved specific mass current density and more negative potential of the forward peak for methanol electrooxidation in comparison with pure cubic Pt and commercial Pt electrocatalysts. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.