Synthesis of carbon-supported Pd-Sn catalyst by ultrasonic irradiation for oxygen reduction reaction

Carbon-supported Pd-Sn (Pd-Sn/C) catalyst was prepared under ultrasonic irradiation, and its electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was evaluated in 0.5 M KOH. TEM images showed that the prepared Pd-Sn/C catalyst particles are smaller in average size than carbon-supported Pd (Pd/C) catalyst particles. XRD and XPS results indicated the small particle size and the electronic interaction between Pd and Sn for the Pd-Sn/C catalyst. The Pd-Sn/C catalyst has a higher ORR activity than the Pd/C catalyst in alkaline media. In addition, the Pd-Sn/C catalyst showed a lower Tafel slope and a larger number of electrons transferred for ORR, compared with those of the Pd/C catalyst. These results indicate that Sn influences both the kinetics and the mechanism of ORR. Based on these results, the Pd-Sn/C catalyst prepared by using ultrasonic irradiation can be expected as a promising ORR catalyst in alkaline media.