Pd Nanoparticles Anchored on N-rich Graphdiyne Surface for Enhanced Catalysis for Alkaline Electrolyte Oxygen Reduction

Graphdiyne (GDY) as a novel allotrope has been theoretically predicted to be the most stable non-natural carbon allotropes. However, GDY has not been systematically investigated as a new carbon support to ORR catalysts. Thus, here we report a new strategy for the synthesis of Pd nanoparticles anchored on nitrogen-doped graphdiyne (CN x -Pd@GDY) electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) via a facile pyrolysis method. The results show that the prepared CN x -Pd@GDY catalyst has exhibited excellent ORR catalysis performance with a four-electron transfer pathway in 0.1 mol l -1 KOH electrolyte compared to other commercial carbon supports such as carbon black and carbon nanotubes. Electrochemical research results show that the as-formed CN x -Pd@GDY exhibits excellent electrocatalytic ORR activity with an onset potential of 0.96 V vs. RHE and a high long-term stability in the alkaline condition. The interaction between Pd nanocrystals and the encapsulating PANI shells was found in the catalyst, which markedly contributes to the improvement in ORR catalytic activity and stability of the catalyst. Such catalytic characteristics have reasonably indicated a great potential as a novel catalyst for ORR instead of the commercial Pt-based catalyst.