Formation of pure-phase W2C nanoparticles through carbothermal reduction in the presence of Pd(0) nanoparticles

Abstract The direct synthesis from elements of tungsten semicarbide, W 2 C, taking place in a narrow concentration range and at high temperatures, is unsuited for some applications requiring small particle sizes. We report an efficient synthesis method for obtaining pure phase W 2 C at low temperatures ( in situ . A 1:5 (at.) Pd:W ratio or higher yields pure phase W 2 C, while increasing the Pd content decreases the carburization temperature. The resulting composite materials contain Pd(0) and W 2 C particles well-dispersed on carbon, with sizes between 50 and 500 nm. The samples have been tested using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry as potential anode materials for the electrooxidation of formic acid and show improved stability in comparison with commercial Pd and comparable current densities, up to 2 times higher than the commercial catalyst.