Synthesis and electrochemical study of TiO2-supported PdAu nanoparticles

We report on the synthesis and electrochemical properties of PdAu nanoparticles supported on TiO2 nanotube arrays using photo-assisted deposition. The surface composition and morphology of the fabricated TiO2 nanotubes and PdAu nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The electrocatalytic activity of the prepared electrodes was studied using cyclic voltammetry and chonoamperometry. Our electrochemical measurements show that the PdAu(39%) nanoparticles have much higher activity towards formic acid oxidation than the Pd nanoparticles and that there is a significant improvement in the electrode stability due to the formation of PdAu alloy. These advantages make the TiO2-supported PtAu nanoparticles promising for a formic acid based fuel cell.

Research highlights
► Synthesis of TiO2 nanotube arrays.
► Fabrication of TiO2-supported PdAu nanoparticles.
► Catalysts for formic acid oxidation.
► The PdAu(39%) nanoparticles show high activity and stability.