Synthesis of Pd-coated FeCo@Fe/C core–shell nanoparticles: microwave-induced ‘top-down’ nanostructuring and decoration

Abstract

We report a novel microwave-induced fast and efficient synthesis of sub-10 nm sized palladium-decorated FeCo@Fe core–shell nanoparticles (ca. 3–7 nm) from a large-sized FeCo@Fe (0.21–1.5 μm) precursor, suggesting ‘top-down’ nanosizing. The high electrochemical surface area, tolerance to methanol during oxygen reduction reaction, and the excellent stability of FeCo@Fe@Pd in alkaline electrolytes indicate that this nanomaterial may find future applications in Pd-based catalysis and/or alkaline fuel cells.