Ultrafine Pd Nanoparticles Anchored on Porous 1,6-Hexanediamine-Functionalized Graphene as a Promising Catalyst towards Ethanol Oxidation in Alkaline Media.

A novel composite catalyst of Pd nanoparticles supported on 1,6-hexanediamine-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (HD-RGO) has been successfully synthesized by a facile chemical method. The as-synthesized composite catalyst has been extensively characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electrochemical tests. TEM images show that Pd nanoparticles with smaller diameters of (3.30±1.20) nm are more evenly dispersed on the HD-RGO surface than those supported on RGO. Electrochemical tests reveal that the as-prepared Pd/HD-RGO catalyst displays higher electrocatalytic activity, better tolerance, and better electrochemical stability toward ethanol oxidation in alkaline media in comparison with Pd/RGO and commercial Pd/C catalysts. The Pd/HD-RGO catalyst may be a promising potential catalyst in direct ethanol fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]