Bimetallic PdY nanosponges for enhanced oxygen reduction electrocatalysis

Abstract

Controlling the morphology and composition of Pd-based catalysts is the key to construct highly efficient electrocatalysts for cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Here, rare earth element Y-doped Pd nanosponge (PdY NSs) are prepared by one-step reduction approach using NaBH4 as reductant, which are employed for ORR under 0.1 M KOH. The PdY NSs with plentiful voids can offer a large number of active sites and improve the mass transfer for ORR. Moreover, the introduction of Y alters the electronic structure of Pd, thus promoting the dissociation and adsorption of oxygen. Therefore, the prepared PdY NSs display superior ORR activity and durability to the Pd NSs and Pd black, highlighting the introduction of rare earth element on the enhancement of ORR performance for Pd-based catalysts.

Intermetallic Pd–Y nanoparticles/N-doped carbon nanotubes as multi-active catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction, ethanol oxidation reaction, and zinc–air batteries

“…Those peaks were verified by JCPDS 065-7672 which indicates the presence of an intermetallic PdY alloy phase. 38 Therefore, this result revealed that the intermetallic PdY alloy NPs have defects and disordered surfaces which could provide an improved electronic configuration. The average particle size of both Pd-containing catalysts resulted from the Pd(111) peak by applying the Scherrer equation [eqn (1)].…”

Nanosponges for hydrogen evolution reaction: current trends and future perspectives

“…27,31 Furthermore, the introduction of defects in nanosponges can also improve their catalytic activity by increasing the number of active sites for hydrogen adsorption and dissociation. 44,45 Another approach to improving the performance of nanosponges for HER is to modify their surface chemistry. Notably, the functionalization of nanosponges with organic ligands, such as thiols or amines, can improve their stability and selectivity by blocking unwanted side reactions or by promoting the formation of specific reaction intermediates.…”