Synthesis of Pt–Pd bimetallic porous nanostructures as electrocatalysts for the methanol oxidation reaction

Abstract

Pt-based bimetallic nanostructures have attracted a great deal of attention due to their unique nanostructures and excellent catalytic properties. In this study, we prepared porous Pt–Pd nanoparticles using an efficient, one-pot co-reduction process without using any templates or toxic reactants. In this process, Pt–Pd nanoparticles with different nanostructures were obtained by adjusting the temperature and ratio of the two precursors; and their catalytic properties for the oxidation of methanol were studied. The porous Pt–Pd nanostructures showed better electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of methanol with a higher current density (0.67 mA/cm2), compared with the commercial Pt/C catalyst (0.31 mA/cm2). This method provides one easy pathway to economically prepare different alloy nanostructures for various applications.