Enhanced formic acid oxidation on Cu–Pd nanoparticles

Developing catalysts with high activity and high resistance to surface poisoning remains a challenge in direct formic acid fuel cell research. In this work, copper–palladium nanoparticles were formed through a galvanic replacement process. After electrochemically selective dissolution of surface Cu, Pd-enriched Cu–Pd nanoparticles were formed. These particles exhibit much higher formic acid oxidation activities than that on pure Pd nanoparticles, and they are much more resistant to the surface poisoning. Possible mechanisms of catalytic activity enhancement are briefly discussed.

► Cu–Pd nanoparticles formed through galvanic replacement.
► Selective dissolution of surface Cu.
► Enhanced formic acid oxidation on Cu–Pd nanoparticles.
► High resistance to surface poisoning.