Preparation of Pd/C catalyst for formic acid oxidation using a novel colloid method

A novel colloid method using (WO3)n·xH2O as colloidal source was developed to prepare Pd/C catalyst for formic acid oxidation. Transmission electron microscopy image shows that the Pd/C nanoparticles have an average size of 3.3 nm and a narrow size distribution. Electrochemical measurements indicate that the Pd/C catalyst exhibits significantly high electrochemical active surface area and high catalytic activity with good stability for formic acid oxidation compared with that prepared by common method. The colloid method is very simple and has great potentials for mass-producing Pd/C and others noble metal catalysts.