Fabrication of Pd/Mn3O4/plait-like carbon nanocoils catalyst: A highly active catalyst for ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline media.

In this study, a novel Pd/Mn 3 O 4 /plait-like carbon nanocoils (Pd/Mn 3 O 4 /CNCs) catalyst is synthesized by a combined chemical vapor deposition and chemical reduction method. The pretreated Mn 3 O 4 nanoparticles are applied as support materials between Pd nanoparticles and CNCs template. The functional CNCs are covered by Mn 3 O 4 nanomaterials, and the metallic Pd nanoparticles are homogeneously deposited onto the Mn 3 O 4 with smaller sizes compared with those of Pd/CNCs and Pd/VX-72. The as-fabricated electrode of Pd/Mn 3 O 4 /CNCs exhibits higher catalytic activity toward the electro-oxidation of ethanol in alkaline media, more excellent poisoning tolerance, and higher stability than other electrodes. This improved performance of the as-prepared electrocatalyst originates from not only the synergetic effects between the Pd nanoparticles and Mn 3 O 4 , but also the intrinsic characteristic of CNCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]