Using inorganic precursors for producing electrocatalysts for formic acid electrooxidation

The new complexes [La2(nip)2(H2O)14].5H2O.nip (1) and [Ce2(nip)2(H2O)14].5H2O.nip (2) were synthesized for production of metal oxides. The as-prepared metal oxides were used for generating Pd/La2O3 and Pd/CeO2 electrocatalysts. The electrocatalytic performances of electrocatalysts were investigated for electrochemical oxidation of formic acid. The Pd/La2O3 electrocatalyst has better catalytic performance in the electrochemical oxidation of formic acid in comparison with the Pd/CeO2 electrocatalyst. Pd/La2O3 electrocatalyst presented upper current, and enhanced ad-and de-sorption of hydrogen.

Automated summary

The synthesis of two new complexes and their application in the production of metal oxides were studied. The prepared metal oxides were further used for the preparation of Pd/La2O3 and Pd/CeO2 electrocatalysts. It was found that the Pd/La2O3 electrocatalyst exhibited better catalytic performance in the electrochemical oxidation of formic acid, showing higher current and enhanced hydrogen adsorption and desorption.