One-pot solvothermal preparation of ternary PdPtNi nanostructures with spiny surface and enhanced electrocatalytic performance during ethanol oxidation

Abstract Pt-based nanomaterials have attracted considerable attention as electrocatalysts for direct alcohol fuel cells. Nevertheless, their widespread application as electrocatalysts has been seriously impeded by the high price and slow reaction kinetics of Pt. In order to decrease the Pt content and enhance the electrocatalytic properties, a simple and effective solvothermal method was proposed for the preparation of ternary star-like PdPtNi nanostructures (NSs) with a spiny surface. The ethanol oxidation reaction under alkaline conditions was used as a model to evaluate the electrocatalytic properties of the samples. The experimental results indicated that the PdPtNi NSs displayed better electrochemical activity and durability than those of commercial Pt black catalysts. Their perfect electrocatalytic performances could be attributed to the large specific surface area, abundant reactive sites, and synergy effects of the different metals. The preparation of spiny star-like PdPtNi NSs will be an avenue for the synthesis of high-performance electrocatalysts for direct ethanol fuel cells.