Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Pt Monolayer on Pd Tetrahedral Nanocrystals with CO-adsorption-induced Removal of Surfactants
We synthesized the Pt monolayer shell-Pd tetrahedral core electrocatalysts that are notable for their high activity and stable performance. A small number of low-coordination sites and defects, and high content of the (1 1 1)-oriented facets on Pd tetrahedron makes them a suitable support for a Pt monolayer to obtain an active O{sub 2} reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst. The surfactants, used to control size and shape of Pd tetrahedral nanoparticles, are difficult to remove and cause adverse effects on the ORR. We describe a simple and noninvasive method to synthesize high-purity tetrahedral Pd nanocrystals (TH Pd) by combining a hydrothermal route and CO adsorption-induced removal of surfactants. Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), used as a protecting and reducing agent in hydrothermal reactions, is strongly bonded to the surface of the resulting nanocrystals. We demonstrate that PVP was displaced efficiently by adsorbed CO. A clean surface was achieved upon CO stripping at a high potential (1.0 V vs RHE). It played a decisive role in improving the activity of the Pt monolayer/TH Pd electrocatalyst for the ORR. Furthermore, the results demonstrate a versatile method for removal of surfactants from various nanoparticles that severely limited their applications.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE SC OFFICE OF SCIENCE (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-98CH10886
- OSTI ID:
- 1041629
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-96977-2012-JA; KC0302010; TRN: US201212%%47
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Vol. 662, Issue 1; ISSN 1572-6657
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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