Microwave-assisted Synthesis of Pd Oxide-rich Pd Particles on Nitrogen/Sulfur Co-Doped Graphene with Remarkably Enhanced Ethanol Electrooxidation

Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene supported Pd oxide-rich (PdOx-rich) Pd nanoparticles (Pd/NS-rGO) are synthesized by microwave-assisted ascorbic acid reduction method. Raman spectrum reveals that the introduced NS co-doping could introduce more defects on the graphene surface. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectrum, SEM and TEM images indicate that the synthesized PdOx-rich Pd particles are well-dispersed on NS co-doped graphene surface. Cyclic voltammograms curves illustrate that the Pd/NS-rGO catalyst exhibits a larger electrochemically active surface area (35.7 m2 g−1) and higher positive current density (1,054.0 mA mg−1 Pd) than other catalysts prepared by similar methods. The Pd/NS-rGO catalyst also reveals superior anti-poisoning intermediate species ability and amazing stability. The electrocatalytic mechanism is also detailedly discussed and the designed Pd/NS-rGO catalyst has opened up a new insight and methodology for the construction of a high performance and stability ethanol electrocatalysts in corrosive alkaline environments.