N-Cdot/Pd Nanosponge with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction and Methanol Oxidation Reaction

Abstract

N-Cdot/Pd nanosponge was effectively synthesized by using N-doped carbon dots (N-Cdot) as a structure directing agent and L-ascobic acid as a reducing agent. The N-Cdot/Pd nanosponge electrode exhibited a low overpotential of -55 mV at a current density of 10 mAcm-2, while providing excellent stability for hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic conditions. In addition, the N-Cdot/Pd nanosponge electrode showed high catalytic activity and stability for the methanol oxidation reaction in 0.1 M KOH aqueous solution containing 1 M methanol. The high catalytic activity of the N-Cdot/Pd nanosponge is mainly due to the synergistic effect caused by intimate contact between the Pd and the N-doped carbon dots, as well as the larger electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) provided by the sponge structure.