Pd(II)/Ni(II)-dimethylglyoxime derived Pd‒Ni‒P@N-doped carbon hybrid nanocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

Searching for an efficient non‑platinum electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of great significance for some energy conversion devices. In this work, Pd‒Ni‒P hybrid nanocatalysts loaded on nitrogen-doped carbon supports (defined as Pd‒Ni‒P@NC) are prepared by simply reacting Pd(II)/Ni(II)-dimethylglyoxime with NaH2PO2 at 500 °C. Compared with Pd‒P@NC and Ni‒P@NC counterparts, the Pd‒Ni‒P@NC exhibits a more positive onset potential and higher specific/mass activity towards ORR due to the interfacial coupling interaction between Pd3P0.8 and Ni2P. Moreover, it has a higher catalytic durability and better methanol tolerance than commercial Pt/C catalyst. The surface valence state analysis and electrochemistry characterization reveals that the enhanced electrocatalytic performance of Pd‒Ni‒P@NC is attributed to the modified Pd 3d electronic structure and improved charge transfer character, originating from the incorporation of Ni2P component. Our study provides an alternative non‑platinum electrocatalyst for ORR in fuel cell and metal-air battery.