PdAu alloy nano wires for the elevated alcohol electro-oxidation reaction

Abstract

In the search of a satisfactory electrocatalyst for fuel cells, herein, we are reporting Au rich PdAu nano wires with excellent electro-catalytic activity towards methanol and ethanol oxidation. Ultrathin one-dimensional PdAu nanowires were prepared rapidly through a simple one step process. Among the prepared catalysts, the 10% Pd incorporated PdAu nano wire catalyst imparted greater catalytic activity, which exhibited ten times enhancement higher activity towards methanol as well as six times higher activity towards ethanol than that of the pure Pd catalyst. Eventually, the amount of Pd metal reduced to 90% without compromising its catalytic efficiency. Distinctive properties of one-dimensional Au were attributed to the improved catalytic activity.