Synthesis and performance of Pd/SnO2-TiO2/MWCNT catalysts for direct formic acid fuel cell application

A simple and controllable in situ chemical method for preparing Palladium/Tin oxide-titanium dioxide/multi-walled carbon nanotube (Pd/SnO2-TiO2-MWCNTs) catalysts for direct formic acid oxidation is proposed in this study. The electro-oxidation of formic acid can be promoted by the addition of SnO2. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that Pd particles were homogeneously distributed on the surface of the SnO2-TiO2 surface. Cyclic voltammetry indicated that a much greater enhancement in catalytic activity (3.6 times) was observed when compared with the improvement in ESA value (1.8 times). The results of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the enhanced CO tolerance may be attributed to the synergetic effect between the Pd and Sn oxides. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.