Formic Acid Oxidation Catalytic Properties of Pd Nanoclusters Prepared by Physical Vapor Deposition

Abstract

A series of narrow size distribution nanocluster-assembled Pd films with ultraclean surfaces have been synthesized by plasma-gas-condensation cluster deposition system at different substrate temperatures. The electrocatalytic oxidation of formic acid on nanoclusters-assembled Pd film were studied. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry tests revealed that Pd nanoclusters assembled film have outstanding electrocatalytic activities, including large electrochemical surface area, high current density peak of formic acid oxidation and considerable stability. Moreover, the substrate temperature was found to have an important influence to their catalytic activities.