Electrocatalytic Performance of Pd Nanoparticles Supported on SiC Nanowires for Methanol Oxidation in Alkaline Media

Abstract Pd nanoparticles (NPs) with a mean size of 10–12 nm are dispersed on the surface of SiC nanowires (NWs) by a cyclic voltammetric deposition method, and employed as an electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation. The high dispersion and small size of supported Pd NPs enable the catalyst to have an electrochemical active surface area of 49.5 m 2 g –1 , which is larger than that of carbon nanotube supported Pd NPs (38.6 m 2 g –1 ), and that of non‐supported Pd NPs (29.9 m 2 g –1 ). Methanol oxidation measurements show that the supported Pd NPs possess a high electrocatalytic activity and an excellent stability. These results indicate that SiC NWs have great potentials as an advantageous supporting material in alcohol fuel cells.