One-step synthesis of Pt-Pd catalyst nanoparticles supported on few-layer graphene for methanol oxidation

Abstract In this study, Pt-Pd nanoparticles (NPs) supported on few-layer graphene (FLG) have been firstly prepared by one-step arc discharge evaporation of carbon electrodes containing both Pt and Pd elements. The few-layer graphene and Pt-Pd nanoparticles were achieved simultaneously through the evaporation process. After a high-temperature hydrogen treatment, the Pt-Pd/graphene was applied in the study of methanol oxidation in direct methanol fuel cell. The total weight of electrocatalyst keeps 2 wt% of the electrode. The sample with a mass ratio of Pt:Pd = 3:1 (H-Pt 3 Pd 1 /G) exhibits better electrocatalytic activity (198 mA mg-1 pt) and better tolerance to carbon monoxide(CO) poisoning ( I f / I b  = 1.26). It is noteworthy that the value of I f / I b can reach to 1.55 for the sample with the mass ratio of Pt:Pd = 2:1 (H-Pt 2 Pd 1 /G),which implies its excellent ability of CO tolerance. The introduction of Pd element may open a new strategy to improve the CO tolerance by arc discharge evaporation.