Successive electrodeposition of polydopamine and PtPd metal on a graphene oxide support for use as anode fuel cell catalysts

Successive electropolymerization of dopamine and electrodeposition of Pd and/or Pt on a graphene oxide (GO) support were used to prepare anode catalysts for low-temperature fuel cells. Transmission electron microscopy images were used to investigate the morphologies and distribution of the prepared catalysts, which showed the metal formed as nanoparticles on the catalysts. The GO surface was favorable for the modification with electropolymerized polydopamine (PDA) and the electrodeposition of metal catalyst nanoparticles using a simple preparation process. The PDA-loaded GO composite was used as a matrix for the dispersion of Pt and Pd nanoparticles. GO could be simultaneously modified by PDA and reduced without using reducing agents. The electrocatalytic performance of the catalysts for the oxidation of selected small molecule fuels (e.g., methanol, ethanol and formic acid) was examined. An outstanding catalytic activity and stability was found for the prepared Pt/Pd/PDA/GO composite, which was attributed to the high active surface area.