Abstract
• The ultra-small nanocrystals can be obtained by fine-tuning of the atomic ratio of Pt and Pd. • The N-doped porous carbon carrier was prepared with specific surface area of 1104.5 m 2 g −1 . • The heterojunction structure formed between the Pt-Pd (1 1 1) and SnO 2 (1 0 1) surfaces contributes to the electron transport. • Pt 1 Pd 1 /SnO 2 exhibits the excellent electrocatalytic oxidation activity and stability. High specific surface area carbon materials act as a critical factor of fuel cell catalyst carriers. In this study, the Pt x Pd y /SnO 2 /GC nanocatalysts were successfully synthesized at different molar ratios of Pt and Pd to conduct the formic acid oxidation. In addition, the N-doped porous carbon carrier (GC) was prepared with graphene oxide and gelatin through the solvated volatilization/nanometer SiO 2 template/KOH activation, and the prepared carrier GC took up a large specific surface area (S BET = 1104.5 m 2 /g). The fine-tuning of the atomic ratio of Pt and Pd was demonstrated to further guide the growth of ultra-small nanocrystals that achieved an average size of 2.52 nm and displayed uniform distributions on the prepared GC carrier. Compared with PtPd/GC, PtSnO 2 /GC and Pt/GC catalysts, Pt 1 Pd 1 /SnO 2 /GC took up a larger electrochemical activity area of 528.93 cm 2 /mg, and the positive sweep peak current density reached 2258.45 mA/mg Pt at 0.75 V. As confirmed by the DFT analysis, the heterojunction structure formed between the Pt-Pd (1 1 1) and SnO 2 (1 0 1) surfaces would contribute to the electron transport. The optimal electrochemical performance was reasonably attributed to the synergistic effect exerted by PtPd alloy and SnO 2 , as well as N-doped porous carbon carrier.
Published Version
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