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Enhanced Performance of Bimetallic Pd-based Electrocatalysts for Formic Acid Oxidation

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Abstract

Pd-based catalysts supported on high-surface-area carbon are widely used in formic acid fuel cells. The composition, structure, and support can be modified to maximize the capabilities of Pd-based catalysts in terms of catalytic activity, durability, and cost. Various studies have investigated tuning the properties of Pd-based catalysts by alloying Pd with other metals. In this study, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn were incorporated into Pd-based catalysts. First, the effects of mole ratios were studied between Pd and the metals. The PdnNi ratios on a reduced graphene oxide support (PdnNi/rGO) were prepared using the one-pot method without the use of any surfactants. All obtained rGO-supported PdnNi catalysts (n = 1, 2, 4, with diameter of 5 nm) were used for the electrocatalytic oxidation of formic acid. The electro-oxidation measurements revealed that the PdnNi/rGO samples had superior electrocatalytic performance both in current densities and stabilities for formic acid oxidation (FAO) compared to Pd/rGO. Furthermore, Pd4Ni/rGO had greater electrocatalytic activity than the other PdnNi/rGO samples. In addition, with the same mole ratio of metals, Pd4Cr/rGO had higher efficiency toward FAO than the other series in the order: Pd4Cr/rGO > Pd4Ni/rGO > Pd4Cu/rGO > Pd4Zn/rGO.

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Data availability

The datasets generated and analyzed during the current study are available within the paper and its supplementary information files (https://doi.org/10.1007/s11244-023-01821-8). Any additional information is available from the corresponding author upon request.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Research Network NANOTEC-KU on Nanocatalysts and Nanomaterials for Sustainable Energy and Environment (RNN), Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand. This work has also been funded by the Kasetsart University Research Development Institute (KURDI). We also thank the Development and Promotion of Science Technology Talents Project (DPST) for the scholarship. We also acknowledge the facilities from the Research Network NANOTEC-KU, Synchrotron Light Research Institute for experimental instruments, and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand

    Pacharapon Kankla & Patraporn Luksirikul

  2. Research Network NANOTEC-KU on Nanocatalysts and Nanomaterials for Sustainable Energy and Environment, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand

    Pacharapon Kankla & Patraporn Luksirikul

  3. National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand

    Teera Butburee

  4. Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization), 111 University Avenue, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasrima, 30000, Thailand

    Narong Chanlek

  5. Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (Rayong Campus), Rayong, 21120, Thailand

    Suchinda Sattayaporn

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  1. Pacharapon Kankla
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Kankla, P., Butburee, T., Chanlek, N. et al. Enhanced Performance of Bimetallic Pd-based Electrocatalysts for Formic Acid Oxidation. Top Catal 66, 1608–1618 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11244-023-01821-8

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