Core-shell Au-Pd nanoparticles as cathode catalysts for microbial fuel cell applications

Abstract

Abstract Bimetallic nanoparticles with core-shell structures usually display enhanced catalytic properties due to the lattice strain created between the core and shell regions. In this study, we demonstrate the application of bimetallic Au-Pd nanoparticles with an Au core and a thin Pd shell as cathode catalysts in microbial fuel cells, which represent a promising technology for wastewater treatment, while directly generating electrical energy. In specific, in comparison with the hollow structured Pt nanoparticles, a benchmark for the electrocatalysis, the bimetallic core-shell Au-Pd nanoparticles are found to have superior activity and stability for oxygen reduction reaction in a neutral condition due to the strong electronic interaction and lattice strain effect between the Au core and the Pd shell domains. The maximum power density generated in a membraneless single-chamber microbial fuel cell running on wastewater with core-shell Au-Pd as cathode catalysts is ca. 16.0 W m −3 and remains stable over 150 days, clearly illustrating the potential of core-shell nanostructures in the applications of microbial fuel cells.

Key findings

• ▸Bimetallic Au-Pd nanoparticles have superior activity and stability for oxygen reduction reaction
• ▸The core-shell structure creates a lattice strain that enhances catalytic properties
• ▸Maximum power density generated is approximately 16.0 W m⁻³

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.1038/srep35252

Journal

Scientific Reports

Year

2016