Enhanced electroactivity of Pd nanocrystals supported on H3PMo12O40/carbon for formic acid electrooxidation

► 3.2 nm Pd nano-crystals are prepared by PMo12-assisted method. ► Enhanced activity and tolerance to CO poisoning are obtained. ► Rich Pd hydrous oxides alleviate CO poisoning problem. ► The metal-support interaction facilitates the direct oxidation of formic acid.