In this study, we report the creation of a highly active and durable ordered intermetallic PdFe catalyst supported on carbon black for the formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR). Using high-temperature heat treatment under a reductive atmosphere, we developed a catalyst that significantly outperforms disordered PdFe and pure Pd catalysts. This enhancement is due to a high alloying degree between Pd and Fe, leading to structural changes such as a superlattice crystalline structure and Pd surface segregation. These modifications cause a downshift of the Pd d-band center, improving catalytic activity and durability. Various electrochemical and physicochemical analyses, including cyclic voltammetry, CO oxidation methods, chronoamperometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and synchrotron radiation methods, were used to study these properties. Density functional theory calculations confirmed the superior FAOR activity of the ordered intermetallic PdFe catalyst. Additionally, a single cell based on this catalyst showed enhanced performance in direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs). This is the first study to prepare an ordered intermetallic PdFe catalyst for FAOR with practical single-cell application, potentially aiding the development and commercialization of advanced Pd alloy catalysts for DFAFCs. -Science journal cover design by scapiens
[Scientific Journal cover design] Low-Thermal-Budget Fluorite-Structure Ferroelectrics for Future Electronic Device Applications
In article number 2100028, Jiyoung Kim, Si Joon Kim, and their team review key factors involved in developing fluorite-structure ferroelectrics
