Heterostructure core PdSn–SnO2 decorated by Pt as efficient electrocatalysts for ethanol oxidation

To enhance the performance of heterostructure electrocatalysts for fuel cell and other applications, carbon-supported Pt decorating PdSn–SnO2 nanoparticles are prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical results show higher ethanol oxidation activity of heterostructured catalysts than that of Pt@PdSn/C, PtSn/C and PdSn–SnO2/C catalysts. This result demonstrates significant potential for utilizing heterostructure-core synthesis in the preparation of novel core–shell catalysts.