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Keywords
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Pd nanoparticles, Electrocatalyst, MWCNTs, Carbon-ceramic electrode, Ethanol fuel cell,
Methanol fuel cell
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Abstract
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In this study, MWCNT-supported Pd (Pd/MWCNT) catalyst is
prepared by chemical reaction and decorated on carbon ceramic electrode (Pd/MWCNT/CCE). X-ray
diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)
analyses were performed to characterize the nanostructure and composition of the Pd/MWCNT.
Pd/MWCNT/CCE is used as anode for oxidation of methanol and ethanol in alkaline media.
Electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used to study
electrochemical properties of obtained catalyst. The effects of some experimental factors such as alcohols
and electrolyte concentration, scan rate, the upper limit of potential scanning region and long-term
stability of electrode were investigated. Pd/MWCNT/CCE was catalytically more active than Pd/CCE and
has eligible stability for electrooxidation of ethanol and methanol when stored in ambient conditions. In
addition, continues cycling makes Pd/MWCNT/CCE electrocatalyst moreactive for alcohol fuel cells. The
results show that Pd/MWCNT/CCE is a suitable choice for alcohols electrooxidation.
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