Room temperature synthesis of PdxNi100-x nanoalloy: superior catalyst for electro-oxidation of methanol and ethanol

Bimetallic Pd-Ni alloy nanoparticles with tunable dimensions, unique composition and excellent electrocatalytic activity towards methanol and ethanol oxidation reaction (MOR and EOR) in alkali, were successfully synthesized by co-reduction of metal precursors in strong alkali medium at room temperature. X-ray diffraction profiles typically signify alloy structure of the particles. Microscopy, diffraction and spectroscopy studies further conform the successful formation of Pd-Ni nanoalloy of determined diameter and morphology. The compositions of this alloy nanoparticles can be easily tuned by typically varying the Pd2+/Ni2+ molar ratio. The mol% of Ni present in the Pd-Ni bimetallic nanoalloy portrays a key role on the catalytic activity for MOR and EOR in alkali. Pd70Ni30/C catalyst exhibits the optimum synergic catalytic activity with improved oxidation of carbonaceous intermediates. Chronoamperometric study satisfactorily proves that Pd70Ni30/C is quite stable at ambient temperature and can be used as anode for MOR and EOR. GRAPHICS]