Electrodeposition of Cu+PdO and (Cu-Pd)+PdO Composites

The co-deposition of PdO particles with a Cu matrix has been investigated with the aim of extending the composite deposition procedure to the preparation of materials potentially capable of catalyzing the low-temperature combustion of methane and other low hydrocarbons. Cu+PdO composites with a low dispersed phase content were obtained from either basic pyrophosphate or acid sulfate baths. PdO incorporation in Cu-Pd alloy matrices was much more effective than incorporation in Cu matrices, yielding deposits with 20-25 Pd at %, even when the Pd content of the alloys was as low as 1-2 at %. (Cu-Pd)+PdO composites were highly porous and mechanically stable.