A novel electrodeposited poly(melamine)-palladium nanohybrid catalyst on GCE: Prosperous multi-functional electrode towards methanol and ethanol oxidation

Abstract

Herein, a novel Poly (melamine) have been successively electrodeposited on glassy carbon electrode and decorated by Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs) subsequently to fabricate Poly (melamine) – Pd nanocomposite. Structural geometry, morphological view, and elemental composition analysis were ensured by X-ray diffractogram, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrodeposited Poly (melamine) (PME) material depicts an interconnected nano rod (50 nm) morphology leads to a nano exploder (~150 nm) arrangement. Spherical shaped Pd decorated PME morphology was obtained for GC\\PME-Pd NPs composite (150 nm). The electrocatalytic activity of the fabricated anode electrocatalyst was examined by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry methods. The modified GC\\PME-Pd NPs composite electrode validates superior electrocatalytic behaviour towards methanol and ethanol oxidation in alkaline background. Besides, the electrochemical surface area and electrocatalytic behaviour make it a greater anode catalyst towards methanol and ethanol oxidation. The synergic effects amid the Poly (melamine)-Pd NPs composite enhances the catalytic activity, mechanical stability on the electrocatalysis of methanol and ethanol oxidation reaction superior than modified Poly (melamine) electrode. Hence, the fabricated anode electrocatalyst is proficient to get realistic approach towards the progression in the direct alcohol (methanol and ethanol) oxidation reaction in direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) applications.