Synthesis and characterization of core-shell PdAu convex nanospheres with enhanced electrocatalytic activity for ethylene glycol oxidation

The design of cost-efficient catalysts for the electrooxidation of liquid fuel is now highly desirable for the commercial application of direct fuel cells. In spired by this, we herein reported our tremendous efforts in the fabrication of core-shell PdAu convex nanospheres via a green method. Different from the previously reported PdAu core-shell nanostructures, the present PdAu convex nanospheres integrated the benefits of core/shell, many granular protuberances, alloy and electronic effect as well as high surface area. All of these favorable properties embody them to exhibit greatly enhanced electrocatalytic activity and long-term stability towards ethylene glycol oxidation as compared with commercial Pd/C. This work emphasizes the significance of shape-controlled of PdAu nanostructures over the electrocatalytic performances for the ethylene glycol oxidation. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.