High-performance polypyrrole functionalized PtPd electrocatalysts based on PtPd/PPy/PtPd three-layered nanotube arrays for the electrooxidation of small organic molecules

Abstract

Here, we report novel high-performance polypyrrole (PPy) functionalized PtPd electrocatalysts based on PtPd/PPy/PtPd threelayered nanotube arrays (TNTAs) for the electrooxidation of small organic molecules, such as methanol, ethanol and formic acid, which are superior fuels for direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) or direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs). The unique hollow structures, array structures and sandwich-like structures of PtPd/PPy/PtPd TNTAs will provide fast transport and short diffusion paths for electroactive species as well as a large exposed surface area for efficient interaction with electroactive species. In particular, the unique sandwich-like structure of PtPd/PPy/PtPd TNTAs results in electron delocalization among the Pt 4f orbitals, Pd 3d orbitals and PPy p-conjugated ligands, and in electron transfer from the PPy to Pt and Pd atoms, leading to higher contents of metallic Pt and Pd and synergistic effects for electrocatalytic reactions. Because of the above merits, the designed PtPd/PPy/PtPd TNTAs exhibit significantly improved catalytic activity and durability for the electrooxidation of small organic molecules compared with those of PtPd TNTAs and commercial Pt/C and Pd/C catalysts.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Electrocatalytic Applications of Platinum‐Based Bimetallic Alloy Nanostructures

“…Core–shell FePtM–PtFe (M=Pd, Au) nanowires with 2.5 nm FePtM seeds and 0.3–1.3 nm thick PtFe shells (Figure B) have been prepared by a seed‐mediated growth approach . PtPd/PPy/PtPd (PPy=polypyrrole) three‐layered nanotube arrays (Figure C) were fabricated by five‐step procedure . After the fabrication of ZnO nanorod arrays, PtPd layers were then electrodeposited onto the surface of ZnO nanorods to form PtPd/ZnO nanorod arrays.…”

Porous Gold Nanotubes for Enhanced Methanol Oxidation Catalysis

“…after 10‐minute incubation of the Ag NWs with Ag(SCN) − , blue curve). Both types of nanotubes exhibit the characteristic methanol oxidation behaviour (Figure 4B) . The porous Au nanotubes displayed a surge in peak current at around −0.28 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) in the forward scan.…”

Facile Synthesis of Porous Pd3Pt Half‐Shells with Rich “Active Sites” as Efficient Catalysts for Formic Acid Oxidation

“…FAO on Pt usually follows a dual path mechanism (dehydrogenation path and dehydration path), in which the CO ads produced from the dehydration path would absorb and poison the Pt active sites by the strong Pt‐CO ads binding . Incorporation of other metals or oxides with Pd, such as Pt, Pb, Au, Ir, HoO x , or WO 2.72 , has been considered as an effective strategy to improve the activity and stability of Pd‐based catalysts. For instance, Du and co‐workers demonstrated that a well‐prepared ultrauniform and small PdBi nanodots had a high FAO activity compared to that of commercial Pd/C .…”