Simple synthesis of bimetallic alloyed Pd–Au nanochain networks supported on reduced graphene oxide for enhanced oxygen reduction reaction

Bimetallic alloyed Pd–Au nanochain networks supported on reduced graphene oxide (Pd–Au NNs/RGO) were prepared by a one-pot wet-chemical co-reduction method with the assistance of caffeine as a capping agent and a structure directing agent, while no seed, template, or surfactant was involved. It was found that the dosage of caffeine and the concentrations of the precursors (i.e. PdCl42− + AuCl4−) played essential roles in the formation of Pd–Au NNs. Moreover, the as-prepared nanocomposites exhibited much better electrocatalytic performance than those of conventional Pd black and Pd–C toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media in terms of the onset potential, limiting current, and stability.