Enhanced Electro-catalytic Activity of Nitrogen-doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Supported PdCu Nanoparticles for Formic Acid Electro-oxidation. (7th June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chowdhury, Sreya Roy; Maiyalagan, T.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 44:Number 29(2019)
• Page Start: 14808
• Page End: 14819
• Publication Date: 2019-06-07
• Subjects: Formic acid oxidation -- N-doped reduced graphene oxide -- Alloy nanoparticles -- Catalyst support -- Fuel cell; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.04.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Successful commercialization of direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) is restricted because of its apparent instability in acidic medium and high cost of typically noble metal based anode catalyst. To adequately address these key issues, in this work, a series of palladium-copper alloy catalyst supported on nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) were synthesized via wet chemical reduction process. Several microscopic and spectroscopic techniques were employed to determine the crystal pattern, particle size, composition and morphology of the synthesized material. Electro-catalytic performance of the synthesized catalysts was carefully verified with respect to formic acid oxidation. All N-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) supported catalyst show enhanced catalytic activity in comparison to commercial Pd/C catalyst. Electrochemical study reveals precisely that Pd75 Cu25 /N-rGO catalysts have highest electro catalytic activity 1738 mA mg −1 pd among all synthesized catalyst which is 3.67 times higher than commercial Pd/C catalyst. Pd75 Cu25 /N-rGO catalyst show lowest Tafel slope (119 mV dec −1 ) and excellent stability after 250 potential cycles. These extensive studies signify that N-rGO support material can remarkably improve the catalytic activity and stability of the catalysts which may be due to outstanding electron transfer capability and synergy between PdCu metallic and N-rGO support. This work helps further design of alloy nanoparticles on N-rGO support as a highly active and stable catalyst for application in the fuel cell. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: N-rGO supported PdCu nanoalloy were synthesized by using co-reduction method. N doping helps in better dispersion of PdCu nanoparticle on the graphene surface. Pdx Cu100-x /N-rGO catalyst show enhanced activity toward formic acid oxidation.