Study on Ag–Pd bimetallic nanoparticles for electrocatalytic reduction of benzyl chloride

Ag–Pd bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully prepared by co-reduction of AgNO3 and (NH4)2PdCl6 in aqueous solution with TritonX-100. The as-prepared Ag–Pd NPs were characterized by transmission electronic microscopy, selected-area electron diffraction and powder X-ray diffraction, and were applied in the electrochemical reduction of benzyl chloride. The electrochemical results show that the Ag–Pd bimetallic nanoalloys possess much higher electrocatalytic activity and better long-term performance than Ag NPs. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of Ag–Pd nanoalloy was found to be strongly dependent on the molar ratio of Ag to Pd, and the Ag5Pd1 exhibits the highest catalytic activity.

► Ag–Pd nanoparticles were prepared by direct chemical synthesis.
► The electrochemical reduction of benzyl chloride being evaluated.
► Ag–Pd nanoalloys exhibit high catalytic activity and good long-term performance.
► Catalytic performance depends on the molar ratio of Ag to Pd.
► Alloying compositions combined catalytic ability by the synergic effect.