Carbon monoxide and formic acid electrooxidation study on Au decorated Pd catalysts prepared via microwave assisted polyol method

Abstract

In this study, carbon supported Pd monometallic and PdAu bimetallic catalysts are prepared by using microwave assisted polyol method to investigate their carbon monoxide and formic acid electrooxidation activities. These catalysts are characterized by using Scanning Electron Micrsocopy (SEM-EDX) and N2 adsorption desorption measurements. EDX measurements reveal that catalysts are prepared at desired ratios. The electrochemical characterization was performed via cyclic voltammetry and CO stripping voltammetry. Electrochemical surface area (ECSA) was calculated thanks to CO oxidation peaks. It was reported that CO tolerance and ECSA of the PdAu/C catalysts were higher than that of the Pd/C, attributed to sweeping effect of Au particles in terms of CO adsorption. Furthermore, formic acid electrooxidation activity of these catalysts are examined by using cyclic voltammetry (CV). PdAu/CNT catalyst at prepared at 90:10 Pd:Au ratio exhibited the highest formic acid electroxidation activity. It is clear that PdAu/CNT catalyst is a promising catalyst for CO and formic acid electrooxidation.