Au–Pd nanoparticles supported on carbon fiber cloth as the electrocatalyst for H2O2 electroreduction in acid medium

A novel synthesis of Au–Pd alloy nanoparticles supported on carbon fiber cloth (Au–Pd NPs/CFC) via a potential pulse technique is presented. Different composition stoichiometry of Au–Pd nanoparticles are deposited from the aqueous solutions of HAuCl4/PdCl2 mixtures in molar ratios of 5:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:5. The electrode is characterized by scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). H2O2 electroreduction in H2SO4 solution on Au–Pd nanoparticles is studied by linear sweep voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The catalytic performance on different composition stoichiometry of Au–Pd nanoparticles increases with the increase of Pd content. Additionally, the flower-like Au–Pd NPs/CFC electrode exhibits the excellent catalytic properties and good stability to H2O2 electroreduction in acid solution, and it outperforms pure Au or Pd catalyst supported on carbon fiber cloth.

► Flower-like Au–Pd NPs are electrodeposited on CFC via potential pulse technique.
► Au–Pd NPs show higher catalytic activity for H2O2 reduction than pure Au or Pd.
► Au–Pd NPs/CFC electrodes with different composition stoichiometry are obtained.