Maximizing the Catalytic Performance of Pd@Au<sub>x</sub>Pd<sub>1−<i>x</i></sub> Nanocubes in H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> Production by Reducing Shell Thickness to Increase Compositional Stability
Yu Zhang, Zhiheng Lyu, Zitao Chen, Shangqian Zhu, Yifeng Shi, Ruhui Chen, Minghao Xie, Yao Yao, Miaofang Chi, Minhua Shao, Younan Xia
Abstract
Abstract We report a simple route based upon seed‐mediated growth to the synthesis of Pd@Au x Pd 1− x (0.8≤ x ≤1) core–shell nanocubes. Benefiting from the well‐defined {100} facets and an optimal Au/Pd ratio for the surface, the nanocubes bearing a shell made of Au 0.95 Pd 0.05 work as an efficient electrocatalyst toward H 2 O 2 production, with high selectivity of 93–100 % in the low‐overpotential region of 0.4–0.7 V. When the Au 0.95 Pd 0.05 alloy is confined to a shell of only three atomic layers in thickness, the electrocatalyst is able to maintain its surface structure and elemental composition, endowing continuous and stable production of H 2 O 2 during oxygen reduction at a high rate of 1.62 mol g (Pd+Au) −1 h −1 . This work demonstrates a versatile route to the rational development of active and durable electrocatalysts based upon alloy nanocrystals.