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.