Nanostructured Fe/Pd-Fe catalysts are pre- pared irst by the deposition of Fe-Zn onto the Fe electrode surface, followed by replacement of the Zn by Pd at open circuit potential in a Pd-containing alkaline solution. The surface morphology and composition of coatings are deter- mined by scanning electron microscopy and energy disper- sive X-ray techniques. The results show that the Fe/Pd-Fe coatings are porous structure and the average particle size of Pd-Fe is low, in the range of 30–80 nm. The electrocata- lytic activity and stability of Fe/Pd-Fe electrodes for oxida- tion of methanol are examined by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry techniques. The new Fe/Pd-Fe cata- lyst has higher electrocatalytic activity and better stability for the electro-oxidation of methanol in an alkaline media than lat Pd and smooth Fe catalysts. The onset potential and peak potential on Fe/Pd-Fe catalysts are more negative than that on lat Pd and smooth Fe electrodes for methanol electro-oxidation. All results show that the nanostructured Fe/Pd-Fe electrode is a promising catalyst towards metha- nol oxidation in alkaline media for fuel cell applications.
