Facile electrochemical codeposition of “clean” graphene–Pd nanocomposite as an anode catalyst for formic acid electrooxidation

Highly dispersed Pd nanoparticles (NPs) supported on graphene were successfully prepared by a one-step electrochemical codeposition approach. The as-obtained nanocomposite was very “clean” as a result of the reductant-free and surfactant-free synthesis process. The catalyst remarkably improved the electrocatalytic performance for formic acid oxidation (FAO). This facile and controllable method is of significance for the preparation of graphene–metal NPs with desirable catalytic performance.

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► Graphene–Pd nanocomposite was prepared by one-step electrochemical codeposition.
► “Clean” nanocomposite with well-dispersed Pd was obtained by this facile method.
► This catalyst improved catalytic activity and stability for formic acid oxidation.
► The process could be applied to produce other graphene–metal nanocomposite.