The preparation, characterization, and electrooxidation of colloidal palladium modified poly(methacrylic acid) hydrogel as formic acid fuel cell anode catalyst

At present, poly(methacrylic acid) (MA), poly(MA) hydrogel, and Pd-doped poly(MA) hydrogel modified electrodes are constructed on graphite pencil (G). The Pd precursor is coated on the poly(MA)/G electrodes surface using the electrodeposition method. These electrodes are characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray. Poly(MA) hydrogel and Pd-doped poly(MA) hydrogel are successfully prepared by the polymerization and further electrodeposition. Formic acid electro-oxidation (FAEO) activities are examined with cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Poly(MA)/G and Pd doped poly(MA) electrodes exhibit promising electro-catalytic activity with 60 mA current density, greater than literature values. Pd-doped poly(MA) hydrogel electrodes are promising electrodes for FAEO.

Automated summary

Poly(methacrylic acid) hydrogel and Pd-doped poly(MA) hydrogel electrodes were constructed on graphite pencil and showed promising formic acid electro-oxidation activity, with a current density of 60 mA. The electrodes were characterized by various analytical techniques and exhibited higher electro-catalytic activity compared to literature values, making them potential candidates for formic acid electro-oxidation.