Maximizing the Catalytic Performance of Pd@Au_x Pd_1-x Nanocubes in H₂ O₂ Production by Reducing Shell Thickness to Increase Compositional Stability.

We report a simple route based upon seed-mediated growth to the synthesis of Pd@Au_x Pd_1-x (0.8≤x≤1) core-shell nanocubes. Benefiting from the well-defined {100} facets and an optimal Au/Pd ratio for the surface, the nanocubes bearing a shell made of Au_0.95 Pd_0.05 work as an efficient electrocatalyst toward H₂ O₂ production, with high selectivity of 93-100 % in the low-overpotential region of 0.4-0.7 V. When the Au_0.95 Pd_0.05 alloy is confined to a shell of only three atomic layers in thickness, the electrocatalyst is able to maintain its surface structure and elemental composition, endowing continuous and stable production of H₂ O₂ during oxygen reduction at a high rate of 1.62 mol g_(Pd+Au)^-1  h^-1 . This work demonstrates a versatile route to the rational development of active and durable electrocatalysts based upon alloy nanocrystals.

Duke Scholars

Author Miaofang Chi Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materia ...