Solvothermal synthesis and characterization of Pd–Rh alloy hollow nanosphere catalysts for formic acid oxidation

Pd–Rh alloy hollow nanospheres deposited on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized in our study. Initially, Cu nanoparticles were attached onto the MWCNT surface through solvothermal reaction, and then Pd-based alloy hollow nanospheres were formed using Cu nanoparticles as sacrificial template. Electrochemical activity and stability for the oxidation of formic acid were studied by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The results reveal that the alloy hollow nanostructures have high electrochemical activity and good stability for the oxidation of formic acid, which might make them good candidates for direct formic acid fuel cells.