Formation and electrocatalytic properties of Pd deposits on Mo obtained by galvanic displacement

A Pd-Mo electrocatalytic system was obtained by forming palladium particles on the Mo surface that contacted a PdCl₂ solution under open-circuit conditions. The state of palladium on the electrode surface depended on the contact displacement time. Palladium particles 5–10 nm in size formed on the surface of the Pd(Mo) electrode after palladium deposition for 1 min. The specific rates of formic acid oxidation on the Pd(Mo) electrode were smaller than those on the Pd/Pt electrode. On the Pd(Mo) electrode, anode currents of methanol oxidation were recorded at a potential of 0.4 V. The difference in the effects of the Mo substrate on the activity of Pd particles in the electrooxidations of HCOOH and CH₃OH was explained by the difference in the mechanisms of these reactions.