Highly stable and efficient Pd6(SR)12 cluster catalysts for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions

Atomically precise Pd6(SC12H26)12 nanoclusters were synthesized and investigated as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. The present study shows the high catalytic performances of the Pd6 clusters, the key role of the outer-shell electronic state of the metal core in mediating the catalytic properties and the double-edged function of the protecting ligand in the catalytic reactions.