Modulating the exposed facets of Pd-Pb intermetallic compounds via morphology engineering for efficient multifunctional electrocatalysts

To develop Pd-based intermetallic compounds (IMCs) nanomaterials with specific morphologies for exposing specific facets is essential yet full of challenges for highly efficient electrocatalysts. Herein, we utilized morphology engineering to successfully acquire Pd-Pb concave nanocubes (Pd-Pb CNCs) with Pd3Pb IMC phase and exposing (2 0 0) facet mainly. The Pd-Pb CNCs catalyst displays the ultrahigh activity of 4.01 A mgPd-1 for ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR), surpassing than that of Pd-Pb nanoparticles with Pd3Pb IMC phase but exposing (1 1 1) facet mainly, and far exceeding than commercial Pd/C. Density functional theory simulation manifests that the excellent EOR activity for Pd-Pb CNCs is attributed to the weakened reaction intermediates adsorption on catalyst surface. Importantly, the Pd-Pb CNCs are also with excellent reactivities for methanol oxidation reaction and glycerol oxidation reaction, indicating potentials as outstanding multifunctional electrocatalysts. This work may not only furnish a simple strategy for fabricating Pd-based IMCs exposing specific facets, but also promote their high-efficient applications in alcohol oxidation reactions and beyond.