Alloy tetrahexahedral Pd–Pt catalysts: enhancing significantly the catalytic activity by synergy effect of high-index facets and electronic structure

Alloy tetrahexahedral Pd–Pt nanocrystals (THH Pd–Pt NCs) mainly enclosed by {10 3 0} high-index facets were prepared by electrochemistry. The as-prepared THH Pd–Pt NCs exhibit a catalytic activity that is at least three times higher than the tetrahexahedral Pd catalysts, and six times higher than commercial Pd black catalysts for the electrooxidation of formic acid. The significant enhancement in catalytic activity has been attributed to the synergy effect of high-index facets and electronic structure of the alloy.