Ultrathin 2D nanomaterials have drawn increasing research attention owing to their relatively high surface area-to-volume ratio and high density of exposed atoms on the surface, which are very advantageous for catalytic reactions. Previous study has shown that Pd electrocatalysts are good candidates for formic acid oxidation (FAO), especially Pd nanosheets. However, the wide application of Pd electrocatalysts toward the FAO is limited by their high cost and low reserve in the earth. To decrease the cost of Pd-based electrocatalysts and further increase their catalytic performance, alloying Pd with earth-abundant materials is an effective strategy. Moreover, in the FAO, Cu is used to improve the catalytic performance and enhance the poisoning tolerance to intermediates, especially CO. Herein, a facile wet-chemical method is reported for the high-yield synthesis of ultrathin PdCu alloy nanosheets under mild conditions. Impressively, the obtained PdCu alloy nanosheet after being treated with ethylenediamine can be used as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for formic acid oxidation. The study implicates that the rational design and controlled synthesis of an ultrathin 2D noble metal alloy may open up new opportunities for enhancing catalytic activities of noble metal nanostructures.<br/>

Ultrathin PdCu alloy nanosheets for highly efficient electrocatalytic formic acid oxidation

256th National Meeting (2018)

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