文摘
Pd<sub>2sub>Ge nanoparticles were synthesized by superhydride reduction of K<sub>2sub>PdCl<sub>4sub> and GeCl<sub>4sub>. The syntheses were performed using a solvothermal method in the absence of surfactants, and the size of the nanoparticles was controlled by varying the reaction time. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and transmission electron microscopy data suggest that Pd<sub>2sub>Ge nanoparticles were formed as an ordered intermetallic phase. In the crystal structure, Pd and Ge atoms occupy two different crystallographic positions with a vacancy in one of the Ge sites, which was proved by PXRD and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The catalyst is highly efficient for the electrochemical oxidation of ethanol and is stable up to the 250th cycle in alkaline medium. The electrochemical active surface area and current density values obtained, 1.41 cm<sup>2sup> and 4.1 mA cm<sup>鈥?sup>, respectively, are superior to those of the commercial Pd on carbon. The experimentally observed data were interpreted in terms of the combined effect of adsorption energies of CH<sub>3sub>CO and OH radical, d-band center model, and work function of the corresponding catalyst surfaces.