Design of bimetallic Pd-based nanoparticles (NPs) is of interest as electrocatalysts for formic acid electrooxidation (FAEO) due to higher initial catalytic activity and CO tolerance when compared to Pt. Although intermetallic NPs (i-NPs) generally exhibit superior catalytic activity, selectivity and durability compared to their disordered counterparts, the colloidal synthesis of i-NPs remains a challenge. Here, co-reduction of Pd and Sn precursors was demonstrated as a facile route to obtain monodisperse intermetallic hexagonal Pd3Sn2 (P63/mmc), intermetallic orthorhombic Pd2Sn (Pnma) and alloy cubic Pd3Sn (FCC, Fm3m) NPs with well-defined crystal structure, size, and quasi-spherical shape. Initial metal precursor ratios and reaction temperature were critical parameters to achieving phase control. Slight modifications of the synthesis conditions resulted in Pd2Sn nanorods. A systematic evaluation of Pd-Sn nanocatalysts as a function of their crystal structure and shape toward FAEO showed that most presented higher specific activity when compared to commercial Pd/C, in which Pd2Sn quasi-spheres and nanobars showed the highest catalytic activity for FAEO. These results highlight the benefits of developing strategies to attain high-performance Pd-based nanocatalysts.

Design and facile syntheses of Pd-Sn nanocatalysts with phase, size, and shape control for formic acid electrooxidation

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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