Morphology controlled synthesis of Pd2Ge nanostructures and their shape-dependent catalytic properties for hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract Pd 2 Ge with different shape-controlled morphologies were obtained via a one-pot hot injection method. Through investigating the effect of reaction conditions, including surfactants, reaction time and temperature, the shape of synthesized Pd 2 Ge can be tuned from nanoparticles to nanorods and nanowires. These various nanostructures of Pd 2 Ge enable an investigation and comparisons as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The results of catalyst activity indicate HER properties are shape-dependent. Compared with the nanostructures and commercial Pd black, the nanorods show more active than the commercial Pd black and other nanostructures. The nanorods display outstanding activity as electrocatalyst, and fascinating endurance remain still after 20,000 cycles CV swept and under a static overpotential of −0.5 V vs. RHE for 48 h. The better stability and activity performance of nanorods may be due to the exposed surface composed of two crystal facets, (111) and (110), which increase the active sites of the nanorods.