Improved Oxygen Reduction on GC-Supported Large-Sized Pt Nanoparticles by the Addition of Pd

PdPt bimetallic nanoparticles on carbon-based supports functioning as advanced electrode materials have attracted attention due to their low content of noble metals and high catalytic activity for fuel cell reactions. Glassy carbon (GC)-supported Pt nanoparticles, promising catalysts the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), were prepared by electrochemical deposition subsequent spontaneous Pd. The obtained electrodes examined using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), electroanalytical techniques. An XPS analysis PdPt/GC with highest ORR performance revealed that stoichiometric ratio Pd: was 1:2, both Pd partially oxidized. AFM images PdPt2/GC showed full coverage GC sizes from 100–300 nm. in an acid solution approached polycrystalline (E1/2 = 0.825 V vs. RHE), while exceeding it alkaline 0.841 RHE). origin improved is ascribed presence a higher amount adsorbed OH species originating PtOH PdOH facilitated 4e-reaction pathway.