Oleylamine-mediated synthesis of Pd nanoparticles for catalytic formic acid oxidation.

We report a facile synthesis of monodisperse Pd nanoparticles by the reduction of Pd(acac)(2) with oleylamine and borane tributylamine complex. The oleylamine-coated Pd nanoparticles are readily "cleaned" with a 99% acetic acid wash, and the Pd particles supported on Ketjen carbon are catalytically active for formic acid oxidation in HClO(4) solution. The catalyst shows no obvious activity degradation after 1500 cyclic voltammetry cycles under ambient conditions. These Pd particles hold promise as a highly active non-Pt catalyst for fuel cell applications.