PdPbBi nanoalloys anchored reduced graphene-wrapped metal-organic framework-derived catalyst for enhancing ethylene glycol electrooxidation

For future clean energy demand, it is essential to develop highly efficient and durable materials for use in renewable energy conversion devices. Herein, we report an electrocatalyst loaded with Pd-Pb-Bi nanoalloys on reduced graphene (rGO)-wrapped In2O3 (PdPbBi@rGO/In2O3) prepared by a hydrothermal method. PdPbBi@rGO/In2O3 exhibits higher forward current density (229.12 mA.cm(-2)), larger electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) (85.87 m(2).g(Pd)(-1)), smaller impedance (12.68 Omega) and lower E-onset (-0.56 V) than commercial Pd/C. Specifically, the current density and ECSA are 8.46 and 3.38 times higher than those of commercial Pd/C (27.07 mA.cm(-2), 25.41 m(2).g(Pd)(-1)), respectively. Furthermore, the oxidation mechanism of ethylene glycol and the removal of carbon monoxide [CO](ads) from the surface of Pd are also discussed in detail. The columnar support structure wrapped by rGO provides a huge active surface area for catalysis. Moreover, the electronic effect of Pd-Pb-Bi nanoalloys can accelerate the removal of CO intermediate species, obtain more Pd active sites and improve the electrocatalytic performance. Our first synthesis of this highly electrocatalyst offers promising value for commercial application in direct fuel cells.