Palladium–nickel catalysts based on ordered titanium dioxide nanorod arrays with high catalytic peformance for formic acid electro-oxidation

Abstract

Ordered titanium dioxide nanorod arrays are prepared by a hydrothermal method and applied to the catalyst supports of the palladium–nickel catalysts (Pd₂Ni₃–TiO₂) for formic acid oxidation. Due to the three-dimensional catalytic structure and alloying effect, the Pd₂Ni₃–TiO₂ exhibits superior mass activity and long-term stability than those of Pd–TiO₂ and commercial PdC catalysts. The present work opens a new approach to design catalysts with superior catalytic performance and durability for direct formic acid fuel cells with three-dimensional catalytic structure.