One-step facile synthesis of Pd nanoclusters supported on carbon and their electrochemical property

Abstract

Well-crystallized Pd nanoclusters supported on Ketjen Black (KB) were successfully fabricated when Pd wires were served as an electrode pair by a solution plasma technique at atmospheric pressure. The synthesis of Pd nanoclusters was almost simultaneous with their dispersion on KB. Pd nanoclusters with the average diameter of about 2 nm were equably distributed on KB, and showed good electrochemical property corresponding to their obvious characteristic peaks. Multi-scan cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry clarified that as-prepared Pd nanoclusters have better electrochemical stability in alkaline solution than that of in acidic solution. Thus as-obtained Pd nanoclusters would become a promising electrocatalyst for fuel cells or Li-air batteries.