Enhancement of electrochemical properties on Pd-Cu/C electrocatalysts toward ethanol oxidation by atmosphere induced surface and structural alteration

The preparation and modification of high effective Pd-Cu/C electrocatalysts toward ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) in alkaline solution are investigated. A simple strategy through atmosphere-induced surface/structural modification is applied to promote their electrochemical performance. The alterations of EOR activities, structures and surface species of the prepared catalysts induced by H₂, O₂ or CO treatments are analyzed by CV, XRD and XPS techniques, respectively. It is observed that the degree of Pd-Cu alloying, surface Pd oxidation, CO oxidation and EOR activity are all promoted by the CO treatment at 470 K and the current density at -0.2 V of the as-prepared sample is enhanced about 190% due to the formation of perfect alloy core/PdO shell structure.