Graphene ribbon-supported Pd nanoparticles as highly durable, efficient electrocatalysts for formic acid oxidation

Graphene ribbon-supported Pd nanoparticles (Pd/GR) have been prepared by a simple, clean process in aqueous medium, involving only a Pd precursor and graphene ribbon (GR) as both a reducing agent and a catalyst support. A high density of Pd nanoparticles with a small average particle size (∼2.8 ± 0.8 nm) could be successfully deposited on graphene ribbons. The as-obtained Pd/GR electrocatalysts show increased electrochemical surface area and significantly enhanced catalytic activity for formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) compared to the conventional Pd/C electrocatalysts in terms of peak current density (1.4 A mg−1 vs. 0.79 A mg−1) and peak potential (−0.15 V shift). Both the good dispersion and the relatively small particle size of the Pd nanoparticles on graphene ribbon and the synergetic effect between Pd and GR lead to high initial catalytic activity for FAOR. More importantly, a dramatic enhancement in durability is found with Pd/GR for FAOR due to the strong interaction between Pd and GR.

Graphene ribbon-supported Pd nanoparticles (Pd/GR) have been prepared via a simple and clean process in aqueous solution, involving only a Pd precursor and graphene ribbon as both a reducing agent and a catalyst support. The Pd/GR thus obtained exhibits dramatically enhanced performance for formic acid oxidation in terms of current density, peak potential, and especially durability.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Graphene ribbon-supported Pd nanoparticle was synthesized via a simple method.
► Pd/GR shows enhanced activity for formic acid electro-oxidation.
► Pd/GR shows significantly improved durability for formic acid electro-oxidation.