Abstract

The single-pot production of Pd@Pt core–shell structures are a promising approach as 

it offers large surface area, catalytic capability, and stability. In this work, we 

established a single-pot process to produce Pd@Pt core–shell nanodendrites with 

tunable composition, shape and size for optimal electrochemical activity. Pd@Pt 

nanodendrites with diverse compositions were synthesized by tuning the ratios of Pd 

and Pt sources in an aqueous environment using cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, 

which functioned as both the surfactant and the reducing agent at an elevated 

temperature (90 ℃). The synthesized Pd5@Pt5 nanodendrites showed exceptional 

electrochemical action toward the methanol oxidation reaction related with another 

compositional Pd@Pt nanodendrites and conventional Pt/C electrocatalysts. In 

addition, Pd5@Pt5 nanodendrites exhibited good CO tolerance owing to their surface 

features and the synergistic effect among Pt and Pd. Meanwhile, nanodendrites with a 

high-index facets and Pt-rich surface provided exceptional catalytic active sites. 

Compared with the conventional Pt/C electrocatalyst, the anodic peak current obtained 

by Pd5@Pt5 nanodendrites was 3.74 and 2.18 times higher in relations of mass and 

electrochemical active surface area-normalized current density, respectively. This 

approach offers an attractive strategy to design electrocatalysts with unique structures 

and outstanding catalytic performance and stability for electrochemical energy 

conversion.