Unusual synergetic effect of nickel single atoms on the electrocatalytic activity of palladium for alcohol oxidation reactions in alkaline media.

Palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) supported on Ni single atoms encapsulated in carbon nanotubes (NiSA) show a significantly enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation reactions of methanol, ethanol and glycerol in alkaline media due to an unusual electron withdrawal effect of NiSA on Pd NPs.