Sb Surface Modification of Pd by Mimetic Underpotential Deposition for Formic Acid Oxidation

The newly proposed mimetic underpotential deposition (MUPD) technique was extended to modify Pd surfaces with Sb through immersing a Pd film electrode or dispersing Pd/C powder in a Sb(III)-containing solution blended with ascorbic acid (AA). The introduction of AA shifts down the open circuit potential of Pd substrate available to achieve suitable Sb modification. The electrocatalytic activity and long-term stability towards HCOOH electrooxidation of the Sb modified Pd surfaces (film electrode or powder catalyst) by MUPD is superior than that of unmodified Pd and Sb modified Pd surfaces by conventional UPD method. The enhancement of electrocatalytic performance is due to the third body effect and electronic effect, as well as bi-functional mechanism induced by Sb modification which result in increased resistance against CO poisoning.