Synthesis of Pd nanowire networks by a simple template-free and surfactant-free method and their application in formic acid electrooxidation

A large volume of Pd nanowire networks with lengths of a few tens of nanometers are synthesized successfully by the inherent self-assembly process with the stabilizing effect of sodium citrate. The Pd nanowire networks exhibit a superior electrocatalytic activity for formic acid oxidation. The specific area activities of Pd nanowire at 0.1 V calculated from the forward-scan currents were 1.38 mA cm−2, which is 97% higher than that obtained from Pd nanoparticle or peanut-like structures (0.70 mA cm−2). The mechanism of the significant enhancement of the catalytic activity of Pd nanowire network can be due to the unique surface characteristics and effective electronic conduction path within the Pd nanowire networks.