Synthesis of cubic PtPd alloy nanoparticles as anode electrocatalysts for methanol and formic acid oxidation reactions.

The electrocatalytic properties for electro-oxidation reactions of shape-controlled Pt-based catalysts have been improved by alloying with 2nd elements. In this study, we demonstrate cubic PtPd alloy nanoparticles synthesized using a thermal decomposition method. The cubic PtPd nanoparticles exhibit a homogeneous distribution of alloy nanostructures in the presence of Pt and Pd metallic phases. The improved electrocatalytic activity for the electro-oxidation reactions of methanol and formic acid as chemical fuels might be attributed to the cubic alloy nanostructures. Furthermore, the cubic PtPd alloy nanoparticles as electrocatalysts exhibit excellent stability for electro-oxidation reactions.