PdPbAg alloy NPs immobilized on reduced graphene oxide/InO composites as highly active electrocatalysts for direct ethylene glycol fuel cells.

rGO-modified indium oxide (InO) anchored PdPbAg nanoalloy composites (PdPbAg@rGO/InO) were prepared by a facile hydrothermal, annealing and reduction method. Electrochemical tests showed that the as-prepared trimetallic catalyst exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity and high resistance to CO poisoning compared with commercial Pd/C, mono-Pd and different bimetallic catalysts. Specifically, PdPbAg@rGO/InO has the highest forward peak current density of 213.89 mA cm, which is 7.89 times that of Pd/C (27.07 mA cm). After 3600 s chronoamperometry (CA) test, the retained current density of PdPbAg@rGO/InO reaches 78.15% of the initial value. Its excellent electrocatalytic oxidation performance is attributed to the support with large specific surface area and the strong synergistic effect of PdPbAg nanoalloys, which provide a large number of interfaces and achievable reactive sites. In addition, the introduction of rGO into the InO matrix contributes to its excellent electron transfer and large specific surface area, which is beneficial to improving the catalytic ability of the catalyst. The study of this novel composite material provides a conceptual and applicable route for the development of advanced high electrochemical performance Pd-based electrocatalysts for direct ethylene glycol fuel cells.