Novel palladium nanorod electrode ensemble for electrochemical evaluation of hydrogen adsorption

This paper first demonstrates the fabrication process for producing a electrocatalytic electrode of palladium nanorod electrode ensemble (Pd-NREE). Pd-NREE with the rod diameter of 50 nm and length of 50 m was fabricated using an electroless plating of palladium in a porous polycarbonate (PC) template. Oxygen plasma treatment is then used to etch PC template to expose more surface area for the Pd-NREE. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) are used to characterize the morphology and composition of Pd-NEE. The produced Pd-NREE is then used as the working electrode for performance electrochemical evaluation of hydrogen adsorption behavior on Pd metal. Results indicate that the developed Pd-NREE can distinguish hydrogen adsorption and desorption behaviors during cyclic voltammetry tests while planar gold or palladium electrodes showing no significant redox peaks in the same conditions.