A simple and controlled electrochemical deposition route to urchin-like Pd nanoparticles with enhanced electrocatalytic properties

•Well-defined urchin-like Pd nanoparticles with clean surfaces were prepared by one-step electrodeposition.•Nitrite ions were acted as the growth directing agent.•There was no any organic solvent, template, surfactant, seed, or complex apparatus involved in the present synthesis.•Urchin-like Pd nanoparticles showed improved electrocatalytic performance toward methanol oxidation.

A simple, facile, green, and controlled one-step electrodeposition method was developed for preparation of well-defined urchin-like Pd nanoparticles on a glassy carbon electrode, using nitrite ions as the growth directing agent. No any organic solvent, template, surfactant, seed, or complex apparatus was involved. The as-prepared Pd nanostructures had “clean” surfaces because of the surfactant-free formation process. The obtained Pd deposits were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The experimental parameters including deposition potential, the dosage of H2PdCl4 and nitrite ions, and deposition time were investigated in details. The urchin-like Pd nanoparticles demonstrated better tolerance, enhanced electrocatalytic activity, and superior stability toward methanol oxidation in alkaline media.

Graphical abstractWell-defined urchin-like Pd nanoparticles with clean surfaces were prepared by a simple, green, and controlled electrodeposition method, using nitrite ions as the growth directing agent. The as-prepared urchin-like Pd nanoparticles displayed enhanced electrocatalytic activity and better stability toward methanol oxidation compared with spherical Pd nanoparticles.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide