Shape-dependent electrocatalytic activity of monodispersed palladium nanocrystals toward formic acid oxidation.

The catalytic activity of different-shaped and monodispersed palladium nanocrystals, including cubes, octahedra and rhombic dodecahedra, toward the electrochemical oxidation of formic acid has been systematically evaluated in both HClO4 and H2SO4 solutions. Notably, the cubic palladium nanocrystals wholly exposed with {100} facets exhibit the highest activity, while the rhombic dodecahedra with {110} facets show the lowest electrocatalytic performance. Furthermore, compared with HClO4 electrolyte, the catalytic activity is found to be obviously lower in H2SO4 solution likely due to the competitive adsorption of SO4(2-) ions and formic acid on the surface of Pd nanocrystals.