Preparation and characterization of novel nickel-palladium electrodes supported by silicon microchannel plates for direct methanol fuel cells

A novel anode structure based on the three-dimensional silicon microchannel plates (Si-MCP) is proposed for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Ni-Pd nanoparticles produced by electroless plating onto the Si-MCP inner sidewalls and followed by annealing at 300 degrees C under argon serve as the catalyst. In order to evaluate the electroactivity of the nanocomposites, Ni-Pd/silicon composites synthesized by the same method are compared. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electrochemical methods are employed to investigate the Ni-Pd/Si-MCP anode materials. As a result of the synergetic effects rendered by the MCP and Ni-Pd nanoparticles, the Ni-Pd/Si-MCP nanocomposites exhibit superior electrocatalytic properties towards methanol electro-oxidation in alkaline solutions, as manifested by the negative onset potential and strong current response to methanol even during long-term cyclical oxidation of methanol. This new structure possesses unique and significant advantages such as low cost and integratability with silicon-based devices. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.