Tuning the Surface Oxophilicity of PdAu Alloy Nanoparticles to Favor Electrochemical Reactions: Hydrogen Oxidation and Oxygen Reduction in Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are versatile power generation devices that can be fed by both gaseous (H2) and liquid fuels. The development of sustainable, efficient, and stable catalysts for the oxidation of hydrogen (HOR) and oxygen reduction (ORR) under alkaline conditions remains a challenge currently facing AEMFC technology. Reducing the loading of PGMs is essential for reducing the overall cost of AEMFCs. One strategy involves exploiting the synergistic effects of two metals in bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs). Here, we report that the activity for the HOR and the ORR can be finely tuned through surface engineering of carbon-supported PdAu-PVA NPs. The activity for both ORR and HOR can be adjusted by subjecting the material to heat treatment. Specifically, heat treatment at 500 °C under an inert atmosphere increases the crystallinity and oxophilicity of the nanoparticles, thereby enhancing anodic HOR performance. On the contrary, heat treatment significantly lowers ORR activity, highlighting how reduced surface oxophilicity plays a major role in increasing active sites for ORR. The tailored activity in these catalysts translates into high power densities when employed in AEMFCs (up to 1.1 W cm−2).