Abstract: The carbon-supported PdAu(PdAu/C) catalysts are prepared using surfactants of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate and P123 via a microwave-assisted reduction method. The results showed that Pd and Au could form alloys and altered the electronic structure of the catalysts′ surfaces. The activity and stability of the catalysts were greatly enhanced by using surfactants in the their preparation as the surfactants can improve the dispersions of metallic particles on the catalysts′ surface as well as increase the proportion of highly active crystal planes. The peak current density on PdAu/C prepared in nonionic surfactant P123 was as high as 196.8×10-3 A/cm2 and the pseudo-steady current density after 4030 s was 21.6×10-3 A/cm2. The strong CO adsorption by the noble metals on the catalyst remained remained as the major reason for the decrease of the oxidation current.

Key words: microwave-assisted reduction, Pd, Au, fomic acid, surfactant