Pd decorated Co–Ni nanowires as a highly efficient catalyst for direct ethanol fuel cells. (15th December 2022) - Łukowiec, Dariusz
Abstract: The storage and conversion of energy necessitates the use of appropriate electrochemical systems and chemical reaction catalysts. This work presents newly developed catalysts for electrooxidation of ethanol in an alkaline medium. Nanocatalysts composed of Co–Ni nanowires (Co–Ni NWs) decorated with Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs) were made at varying metal ratios and their chemical composition and structure was investigated in detail. The synthesis involved a wet chemical reduction assisted by a magnetic field, which led to the generation of NWs, followed by the deposition of spherical Pd NPs on their surface. The best catalytic activity was obtained for the catalyst made of Co3 –Ni7 decorated with Pd NPs, which exhibited EOR of 8003 mA/mgPd for only 0.86 wt% of Pd loading. The results can be explained by the synergistic effect between the morphology of the bimetallic support and the favorable interaction of oxophilic Co, Ni with catalytic Pd. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Co–Ni with Pd NPs exhibit exceptional catalytic activity towards the EOR. Co–Ni in the ratio of 3:7 showed best catalytic properties. The balance between oxidized, disordered and crystalline phases of Co–Ni is the key. Synergistic effect of 1D morphology and structure of the Co–Ni with Pd NPs. The presence of Pd, PdO2, Co–Ni and their oxides enhances catalytic activity.