Enhanced durability of PdPt/C electrocatalyst during the ethanol oxidation reaction in alkaline media

Developing new electrocatalysts with greater catalytic activity and enhanced stability than Pt to power generation is essential due to high demands and decreased fossil fuel reserves. Bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) present a synergic effect, showing better and even unique properties than monometallic nanoparticles, but to know their potential, it is a requirement to control their size, morphology, structure, and composition. This work shows the synthesis of PdPt BNPs by chemical reduction in an organic medium. BNPs supported on Vulcan XC-72 carbon showed controlled characteristics, verified by scanning electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. The electrochemical activity was investigated for the ethanol oxidation reaction in alkaline medium by cyclic voltammetry, and the kinetic current was normalized to specific and mass activity. The CO tolerance was explored by chronoamperometry and the evaluation of adsorption and oxidation of intermediates species during the oxidation reaction by alternative CO-stripping analysis. Also, the accelerated durability test showed lower degradation to PdPt/C than the commercial and synthesized Pt/C. According to the results, PdPt/C electrocatalyst exhibits superior catalytic properties, overcoming a limitation in the durability for its potential application in fuel cell technology.

Automated summary

This study shows the synthesis of PdPt bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) by chemical reduction in an organic medium. The controlled characteristics of BNPs supported on Vulcan XC-72 carbon are validated by various techniques. The electrochemical activity for ethanol oxidation reaction and CO tolerance of PdPt/C are investigated. The accelerated durability test demonstrates lower degradation of PdPt/C compared to commercial and synthesized Pt/C, showing superior catalytic properties for potential application in fuel cell technology.