Oxygen reduction on polycrystalline Au modified by nanosized Pd islands

Abstract

Oxygen reduction reaction was studied on polycrystalline gold, Au(poly), modified by nanosized palladium islands. Linear sweep voltammetry measurements were performed using rotating Au-disk electrode in oxygen saturated 0.05 M H2SO4 solution. Morphology of obtained Pd/Au(poly) electrodes was characterized by tapping-mode atomic force microscopy, after each deposition from Pd containing solution. Only homogeneous distribution of deposited Pd islands nonuniform in size is observed. Active surface area of the deposited Pd was estimated from cyclic voltammetry profiles. Obtained Pd/Au(poly) surfaces have shown a significant catalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction which increases with the increase of the active surface area.