Highly stable and efficient Pd6(SR)12 cluster catalysts for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions

Abstract

Atomically precise Pd₆(SC₁₂H₂₆)₁₂ nanoclusters were synthesized and investigated as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. The present study shows the high catalytic performances of the Pd₆ clusters, the key role of the outer-shell electronic state of the metal core in mediating the catalytic properties and the double-edged function of the protecting ligand in the catalytic reactions.