Oleylamine-functionalized palladium nanoparticles with enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction

The oleylamine (OAm)-functionalized Pd nanoparticles (Pd-OAm) have been conveniently synthesized through direct thermal decomposition method of low cost palladium acetate. The morphology, crystalline structure and composition of the Pd-OAm are investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, XPS and zeta potential analysis confirm the successful immobilization of OAm molecules on the Pd nanoparticles surface. The Pd-OAm displays an enhanced electrocatalytic activity and formic acid-tolerant ability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), suggesting a potential application in cathodic catalyst for direct formic acid fuel cells.