Component dependent electrocatalytic activity of magnetic bimetallic Pd-Ni nanoparticles for formate oxidation

Formate fuel cells require efficient and stable electrocatalysts for formate oxidation reaction (FOR). Pd-Ni nanoparticles (NPs) with tuned Pd/Ni ratios were synthesized by seed-mediated growth strategy. Pd-Ni NP-3 NPs outperformed other Pd-based catalysts in FOR activity (∼28676 mA/mgPd). This enhancement resulted from the component-dependent effects, which modulate the Pd(0) and Ni(OH)2 species, and resulting in an optimal balance of effective active sites and anti-poisoning ability.