CuPd Alloy Oxide Nanobelts as Electrocatalyst Towards Hydrazine Oxidation

Among non‐precious metal catalysts for the hydrazine oxidation reaction, Cu‐based catalysts have exhibited relatively high performance ascribed to their lower onset potential and better stability. However, the catalytic properties, including activity and durability, still need further improvement in contrast to noble metal catalysts such as Pt and Pd. In this study, Pd was used as the promotor between Cu and Pd towards the hydrazine oxidation reaction. The CuPd alloy oxide ((Cu0.9Pd0.1)O) nanobelts were fabricated by using a dealloying method. The electrochemical measurements show that (Cu0.9Pd0.1)O nanobelts exhibit 1.5 times higher current density, and better stability than CuO towards the hydrazine electro‐oxidation reaction. These improvements are further evidenced in the direct hydrazine‐hydrogen peroxide fuel cell by using these two catalysts as the anodes in comparison. A single fuel cell using (Cu0.9Pd0.1)O as the anode exhibits a peak power density of 330 mW cm−2, about 100 mW cm−2 higher than that of pure CuO. N2 sorption experiments and product analysis demonstrate that alloying with Pd not only could enlarge the surface area of (Cu0.9Pd0.1)O but also could suppress the self‐decomposition of hydrazine. These improvements will consequently increase the catalytic activity and fuel efficiency of (Cu0.9Pd0.1)O. CuPd alloy oxide nanobelts ((Cu0.9Pd0.1)O) with an average width of about 10 nm are fabricated by using a dealloying method. Ascribed to the synergetic effect between Pd and Cu, the (Cu0.9Pd0.1)O nanobelts exhibit a 1.5 times higher catalytic activity and poorer self‐decomposition towards the hydrazine oxidation reaction in contrast to CuO nanobelts. Furthermore, the maximum power density of N2H4−H2O2 single cell with (Cu0.9Pd0.1)O as the anode catalyst is 330 mW cm−2, about 100 mW cm−2 higher than that of CuO.