Synthesis of Pd/C composites from PdCl2 and β-CD as a catalyst in methanol oxidation

Pd nanoparticles and carbon support were synthesized simultaneously and the resulting catalyst materials were applied for methanol oxidation. PdCl2 and β-cyclodextrin (CD) were used as starting materials. The β-CD in this reaction was used as complexing reagent and carbon source. When Pd2+ was reduced to Pd by hydrogen reduction treatment, the complex effect of β-CD would affect the aggregation of Pd nanoparticles. The electro-oxidation of methanol in alkaline medium was studied. The catalyst treated at 673 K showed better electrocatalytic activity and stability for methanol oxidation than that of 773 and 1073 K and commercial Pt/C electrocatalysts, which might be attributed to the high dispersion of Pd nanoparticles and special frame and properties of complexes.