Simple synthesis of hollow Pt–Pd nanospheres supported on reduced graphene oxide for enhanced methanol electrooxidation

Shape-controlled synthesis of bimetallic catalysts attracts increasing attention, because their catalytic performance is closely correlated with the size, shape and crystal structure. In this report, a rapid and simple route is developed for large-scale synthesis of Pt–Pd hollow nanospheres (Pt–Pd HNSs) supported on reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (RGOs) under mild conditions, while no surfactant , seed, or template is involved. The as-prepared nanocomposites display the improved electrocatalytic activity and better stability for methanol oxidation in alkaline media , compared with commercial Pt black and Pd black catalysts. This work may open a new route for construction of Pt-based bimetallic catalysts in fuel cells.