Palladium Nanowires Synthesized in Hexagonal Mesophases: Application in Ethanol Electrooxidation

Abstract

Palladium nanowires (of length a few tens of nanometers) are synthesized in a hexagonal mesophase formed by a quaternary system (Pd-doped water, surfactant, cosurfactant, and oil) by electron beam irradiation. The mesophases can be doped by high concentrations of palladium (0.1 M) without any disturbance of the structure of the mesophases which allows the quantitative synthesis of 1D Pd nanostructures. We found an increase in the average length of the nanowires with the amount of cosurfactant (pentanol) that assists the reduction/growth processes. The electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol was selected as a test reaction in alkaline medium where Pd is known to be among the best electrode materials. We found that the Pd nanowires exhibit both a very important electrocatalytic activity for ethanol oxidation and a very high stability.

Recent Development of Pd-Based Electrocatalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

“…Liu et al [149] synthesized Pd nanowires with high catalytic activity and long-term stability toward the oxidation of alcohols. Ksar et al [150] synthesized Pd nanowires with length of a few tens of nanometers. The Pd nanowires exhibited both a very important catalytic activity for ethanol oxidation and a very high stability.…”

Synthesis of Concave Palladium Nanocubes with High‐Index Surfaces and High Electrocatalytic Activities

“…The electrooxidation of ethanol in alkaline medium on Pd involves the oxidation of ethanol to acetate at the anode. [17] Therefore, the {hk0} surfaces with a more open atomic arrangement may reduce the reaction barrier and result in high electrocatalytic activity.…”

Activity Enhancement of Tetrahexahedral Pd Nanocrystals by Bi Decoration towards Ethanol Electrooxidation in Alkaline Media

“…Pd is considered as a promising candidate in this regard, as it is evidenced to be even more active for ethanol electrooxidation than Pt in alkaline media [17][18][19][20][21]. Furthermore, Pd is considerably cheaper than Pt and is 50 times more abundant on earth [22].…”

“…Remita et al [22] prepared Pd nanowires by electron beam irradiation using hexagonal mesopheres as templates. These nanowires exhibit good electrocatalytic activity and high stability for ethanol electrooxidation [22].…”

“…These nanowires exhibit good electrocatalytic activity and high stability for ethanol electrooxidation [22].…”