Palladium is one of the few metals capable of forming hydrides, with the catalytic properties being dependent on the elemental composition and spatial distribution of H atoms in the lattice. We have recently developed a solution-phase method for the facile transformation of palladium nanocrystals into a stable hydride phase by treating them with aqueous hydrazine at a concentration as low as 9 mM. Using formic acid oxidation as a model reaction, we systematically investigated the structure-catalytic property relationship of the resultant nanocubes with different degrees of hydride formation. In the case of nanocubes, the current density at 0.4 V was enhanced by four times relative to that of the pristine sample when the composition was converted from palladium to palladium hydride. This work provides a viable strategy for greatly enhancing the performance of palladium-based catalysts toward various reactions without altering the loading of this scarce metal.

<b>Award Address</b> (ACS Award for Creative Invention sponsored by ACS Corporation Associates). Enhancing the catalytic properties of palladium nanocrystals by transforming them into palladium hydrides

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Award Address (ACS Award for Creative Invention sponsored by ACS Corporation Associates). Enhancing the catalytic properties of palladium nanocrystals by transforming them into palladium hydrides