Shape-control synthesis of PdCu nanoparticles with excellent catalytic activities for direct alcohol fuel cells application

In this article, we described a simple method of PdCu nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis in different morphologies at 120 °C using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) capping agent and ethylene glycol (EG) solvent. Form instrumental characterization it is find out that PdCu NPs are prepared in different morphologies by varying the Pd:Cu weight percent (wt.%) ratios. Nanospheres (NS) are obtained in the absence of Cu, sphere-like NPs having Pd3Cu1 composition are obtained at 3:1 wt.% ratio, cubic NPs having Pd1Cu1 composition are obtained at 1:1 wt.% ratio and cube-like NPs having Pd1Cu3 composition are obtained at 1:3 wt.% ratio. The metals wt.% ratio not only controlled the morphology, but also affected the catalytic activity toward methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) in alkaline media. The PdCu catalyst, in 1:1 wt.% ratio, have demonstrated high specific and mass activities toward MOR (18.07 mA cm−2 and 11.15 A mgPd−1) and EOR (10.24 mA cm−2 and 6.32 A mgPd−1) in alkaline media. Excellent catalytic activity and long-term stability of Pd1Cu1 toward both MOR and EOR is attributed to its stable cubic morphology, composition and synergetic effect, high electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) and PdO reduction at more negative potential. In comparison to the literature, the cubic-PdCu is one of the best electorcatalyst toward MOR and EOR. The cubic-PdCu NPs as anode have potential application in direct alcohol fuel cells owing to their excellent electrochemical performance, stability and cost effectiveness. In this work, we are presenting shape control synthesis of PdCu NPs by simple one-step solvothermal method. The synthesized catalyst, cubic Pd1Cu1, have exhibited superior electrocatalytic performance toward methanol and ethanol oxidation reactions. In view of excellent electrochemical performance and stability, the cubic Pd1Cu1 have potential anode application in direct alcohol fuel cells. [Display omitted] •PdCu nanoparticles were synthesized in different morphologies by one-step solvothermal method.•Cubic NPs having Pd1Cu1 composition obtained at 1:1 wt.% ratio.•The Pd1Cu1 catalyst have high specific and mass activities toward MOR and EOR.•Excellent catalytic activity is due to its cubic morphology, composition and synergetic effect.