Facile synthesis of Pd nanostructures in hexagonal mesophases as a promising electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation

One of the significant challenges for the commercialization of direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) is the preparation of active, robust, and low-cost catalysts. In this work, a facile and reproducible method is demonstrated for the synthesis of Pd assembled nanostructures in a hexagonal mesophase formed by a quaternary system (Pd-doped water, surfactant, oil, and cosurfactant) via photoirradiation. The formation of Pd nanostructures in the confined region of hexagonal mesophases was further supported by water relaxation dynamics study using a solvation probe. The mesophases can be doped with high concentrations of a palladium salt (0.1 M) without any disturbance to the structure of the mesophases which results in a high yield and facilitates the clean synthesis of Pd nanostructures without using any toxic chemicals. Electrochemical measurement confirms that the as-prepared catalysts exhibit significant electrocatalytic activity for ethanol oxidation in alkaline solution. Additionally, we present an alternative strategy using reduced graphene oxide nanosheets in combination with Nafion (a proton conducting phase) as a support, revealing the pronounced impact on dramatically enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability of Pd nanostructures compared to Nafion alone. This unique combination allowed the effective dispersion of the Pd nanostructures that is responsible for the enhancement of the catalytic activity. Our approach paves the way towards the rational design of practically relevant catalysts with both enhanced activity and durability for fuel cell applications.