Large-scale electrosynthesis of Pd nanodendrites and their improved electrocatalytic properties for methanol oxidation

Using glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) as working electrodes, Pd nanodendrites have been prepared on a large scale by one-step electrodeposition, without any seed or surfactant, just with the assistance of ethylenediamine. The formation of Pd nanostructures is closely associated with their growth conditions, such as applied potential, electrolyte and its concentration, and electrodeposition time. It is found that Pd nanocrystals are preferential growing along the (1 1 1) directions during the electrolysis process. The as-prepared Pd dendrites have large electroactive surface area and exhibit high electrocatalytic ability towards methanol oxidation, which can be used as a better potential candidate for application in direct fuel cells.

Graphical abstractIn this work, well-defined Pd nanodendrites were facilely prepared by one-step electrodeposition on a large scale, only with the assistance of ethylenediamine. The Pd nanostructures are grown along the (1 1 1) directions, which showed large electroactive surface area and enhanced catalytic performance towards methanol oxidation, compared to the Pd nanoparticles.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We developed a facile, simple, green, and template-free method for large-scale synthesis of Pd nanodendrites on glassy carbon electrodes, without any seed or surfactant. ► The dendritic Pd nanostructures growing along the (1 1 1) directions, with the help of ethylenediamine. ► The as-prepared Pd nanodendrites have large electroactive area and exhibit good catalytic activities towards the electroxidation of methanol.