Application of Binary PdSb/C as an Anode in a Polymeric Electrolyte Reactor-Fuel Cell Type for Electrosynthesis of Methanol from Methane

Abstract

PdSb catalyst prepared in different compositions were applied as an anode in a polymeric electrolyte reactor - fuel cell type (PER-FC) to convert methane into oxygenated products and energy in mild conditions. The PER-FC polarization curves for Pd90Sb10/C presented maximum current density about 0.92 mW cm-2 about 15% higher than PdSb materials. However, the material Pd50Sb50/C showed higher reaction rate for methanol generation than the other materials occurring close to the OCV (r ~ 7 mol L-1 h-1). The qualitative analyses of PER-FC effluent by FT-IR identified products as methanol, carbonate and formate ions from the partial oxidation of methane for all materials.