Pd nanoparticles supported on carbon-modified rutile TiO₂ as a highly efficient catalyst for formic acid electrooxidation

In this article, Pd nanoparticles supported on carbon-modified rutile TiO₂ (CMRT) as a highly efficient catalyst for formic acid electrooxidation were investigated. Pd/CMRT catalyst was synthesized by using liquid phase reduction method in which Pd nanoparticles was loaded on the surface of CMRT obtained through a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Pd/CMRT shows three times the catalytic activity of Pd/C, as well as better catalytic stability towards formic acid electrooxidation. The enhanced catalytic property of Pd/CMRT mainly arises from the improved electronic conductivity of carbon-modified rutile TiO₂, the dilated lattice constant of Pd nanoparticles, an increasing of surface steps and kinks in the microstructure of Pd nanoparticles and slightly better tolerance to the adsorption of poisonous intermediates.