Sol–gel synthesis of palladium nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide: an active electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

In this work, the synthesis and characterization of palladium nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide hybrid (Pd–rGO) material is reported. Techniques of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and cyclic voltammetry were used to characterize the structure and properties of the Pd–rGO. Results demonstrate the effect of Pd on the reduced GO. The average particle size of the Pd nanoparticles supported on rGO obtained from TEM is about 12–18 nm. Moreover, glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with palladium nanoparticle–graphene oxide hybrid (Pd–rGO/GCE) was prepared by casting of the Pd–rGO solution on GCE. The electrochemical and catalytic activity of the Pd–rGO/GCE was studied in 0.1 M H2SO4 solution. The Pd–rGO/GCE electrode exhibited remarkable electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). At potential more negative than −0.4 V vs. Ag |AgCl |KCl3M, the current is mainly due to hydrogen evolution reaction. Finally, the kinetic parameters of hydrogen evolution reaction are also discussed on the Pd–rGO/GCE.