Supported palladium nanocubes reduced by graphene oxide and surface-cleaned for enhanced electrocatalytic activity

Highly dispersed Pd nanocubes (Pd NCs) supported on the surface of partially reduced graphene oxide (pRGO) were successfully prepared by a facile procedure. GO was used as reductant and support without any other external reducing agent been introduced, and potassium iodide (KI) was used as capping agent for morphology control respectively. Catalytic activities for ethanol oxidation and methanol oxidation were greatly enhanced after excess iodine on the surface of Pd NCs was removed by being surface-treated with NaBH 4 solution.