Au- and Pd-modified porous Co film supported on Ni foam substrate as the high performance catalysts for H2O2 electroreduction

Non-noble metal film electrode (Co/Ni foam) modified with noble metals (Au and Pd) has been reported. Highly porous Co film is firstly prepared electrochemically on the commercial Ni foam substrate and in turn serves as a hard template and a redox inducer for modification by spontaneous deposition of Au or Pd. The electrodes (Au-modified Co/Ni foam and Pd-modified Co/Ni foam) are characterized by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, and X-ray diffractometer. The catalytic performance of the 3D porous electrodes is evaluated by voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Results reveal that Au- and Pd-modified Co/Ni foam exhibit excellent catalytic performance and good stability for H2O2 electroreduction compared with Au and Pd particles supported on Ni foam, benefitting from the unique 3D structure which can ensure high utilization of catalyst and quick releases of gas bubbles produced by H2O2 decomposition from the electrode.