Bimetallic PdY nanosponges for enhanced oxygen reduction electrocatalysis.

Controlling the morphology and composition of Pd-based catalysts is the key to construct highly efficient electrocatalysts for cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Here, rare earth element Y-doped Pd nanosponge (PdY NSs) are prepared by one-step reduction approach using NaBH4 as reductant, which are employed for ORR under 0.1 M KOH. The PdY NSs with plentiful voids can offer a large number of active sites and improve the mass transfer for ORR. Moreover, the introduction of Y alters the electronic structure of Pd, thus promoting the dissociation and adsorption of oxygen. Therefore, the prepared PdY NSs display superior ORR activity and durability to the Pd NSs and Pd black, highlighting the introduction of rare earth element on the enhancement of ORR performance for Pd-based catalysts.