Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin. ›› 2016, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (9): 2171-2184.doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB201606131

• REVIEW • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Controllable Synthesis of Pd Nanocrystals for Applications in Fuel Cells

Han XU,Ye-Xiang TONG,Gao-Ren LI*()   

  • Received:2016-04-25 Published:2016-09-08
  • Contact: Gao-Ren LI E-mail:ligaoren@mail.sysu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51173212);the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21476271);National Key Basic Research Programof China (973)(2015CB932304);Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, China(S2013020012833);Project of High Level Talents in Higher School of Guangdong Province, China

Abstract:

The properties of Pd nanocrystals (NCs) intended for use in electrocatalytic applications greatly depend on their surface structures and morphologies. Recent developments in the shape-controlled synthesis of polyhedral Pd NCs represent a promising means of precisely tuning their electrocatalytic properties, and thus may enable the performance enhancement of electrocatalytic Pd NCs. In this comprehensive review, we concentrate on the most important current research concerning the shape-controlled synthesis of polyhedral Pd NCs and their electrocatalytic applications in fuel cells. After a brief introduction to the general NC growth mechanisms and the relationship between their surface structures and shapes, we focus on a variety of shapecontrolled synthesis strategies that have been explored to control the fabrication of polyhedral Pd NCs. This review also examines the applications of Pd NCs to the electrocatalytic oxidation of formic acid, methanol, and ethanol as well as the reduction of O2, with an emphasis on their use in fuel cells. Finally, we outline our personal perspectives on future research directions that are underway with regard to catalytic uses of polyhedral Pd NCs.

Key words: Pd nanocrystal, Polyhedron, Electrocatalyst, Controllable synthesis, Fuel cell