Synthesis of Cu@Pt‐Pd Ternary Metallic Composites for Efficient Electrocatalysis of Methanol

Abstract An electrochemical preparation method of Cu@Pt‐Pd ternary metallic composite, which is used as excellent catalytic materials to oxide methanol under alkaline conditions, is reported in this work. Cu polyhedron as nuclei and Pt‐Pd alloy nanoclusters as shells of Cu@Pt‐Pd are proved by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The activities of composite materials are examined by linear sweep voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. The catalytic activity is investigated by modulating metal element proportion of Pt and Pd. The highest mass activity of Cu@Pt_11.3Pd_10.1 is 2387 mA mg_Pt+Pd⁻¹ for methanol oxidation reaction. The mass activity of Cu@Pt_11.3Pd_10.1 is 3.42 folds relative to Pt/C catalysts. Compared with Pt/C catalysts, Cu@Pt‐Pd composites have higher CO resistance. This enhanced catalytic performance is closely related to its alloy structure through ligand and strain effects.