Synthesis of Ultrathin and Composition-Tunable PdPt Porous Nanowires with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance

Abstract

Special structure formation and rational component modulation are common strategies to obtain superior catalytic properties for fuel cell applications. Here, we propose a facile method to synthesize high-quality PdPt porous nanowires (PNWs) with a greatly expanded active area through galvanic replacement and NaClO etching, on the basic of well-distributed Te nanowires. Such PdPt alloy nanowires with a distinct porous structure definitely possess an influential morphology accompanied with various compositions. A subsequent electrocatalytic test has demonstrated the higher electrochemical surface area (ECSA) of PNW as compared to Pt/C, and superior properties toward direct methanol fuels cells (DMFCs). Moreover, Pd21Pt79 shows the best methanol oxidation efficiency, 1.45 times that of Pt/C. In addition, the stability was good, and mass activity was maintained at 74.1% of the initial value after 2000 cycles. The enhancement of properties attributed to the balance of the synergetic effect between proper heterogeneous composition, absorbed OHads energy, and Pt active sites contributed to the enhancement of properties. The facile method with high productivity can shine light on a new way for catalysis design for future fuel cell applications.