Robust three dimensional N-doped graphene supported Pd nanocomposite as efficient electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation in alkaline medium

Abstract

Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) with the diameter of ∼3.2 nm were successfully confined within a robust three dimensional (3D) N-doped porous graphene (R3DNG) via a polyol-assisted reduction strategy. The as-obtained PdNPs/R3DNG composite was characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD and XPS, and was conducted as electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation in alkaline medium. The results showed that PdNPs/R3DNG featured the remarkable electrocatalytic activity (2.71 A mg−1 Pd) and outstanding cyclic stability (66.5% forward peak current retention after 1000 cycles), which is even superior to the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst. The synergistic effect between the support of R3DNG and PdNPs is believed to be responsible for the outstanding electrocatalytic performance.