1D Pd-Based Nanomaterials as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Fuel Cells - Low-cost Nanomaterials: Toward Greener and More Efficient Energy Applications - page 313

1D Pd-Based Nanomaterials as Efficient
Electrocatalysts for Fuel Cells
Yizhong Lu and Wei Chen
Abstract Since the first experiment conducted by William Grove in 1839, fuel cell,
a device that converts the chemical energy stored in fuels into electricity through
electrochemical reactions with oxygen or other oxidizing agents, has attracted
worldwide attention in the past few decades. However, despite extensive research
progress, the widespread commercialization of fuel cells is still a big challenge
partly because of the low catalytic performance and high-cost of the Pt-based
electrocatalysts. In addition, the hydrogen storage is another critical issue for the
commercialization of hydrogen-powered fuel cells. Among the metal catalysts, Pd
has been found to be a promising alternative because of its excellent catalytic
properties and lower cost than Pt. Moreover, Pd-based materials exhibit high
hydrogen storage capabilities. In this chapter, we summarize recent progress in the
synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) Pd-based nanomaterials and their applications
as electrocatalysts on both anodic and cathodic sides of fuel cells, and their appli-
cations in hydrogen storage. We demonstrated here that various 1D Pd-based
nanomaterials, such as nanorods, nanowires, and nanotubes have been successfully
prepared through different synthetic routes. The nanostructured 1D Pd-based
materials exhibit high catalytic performance for electrooxidation of small organic
molecules and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Moreover, high capacities for
hydrogen storage have also been reported with 1D Pd-based nanomaterials.