Characterization of Ni–Pd alloy as anode for methanol oxidative fuel cell

Abstract

Electrochemical deposition of Ni–Pd alloy films of various compositions from bath solution containing ethylenediamine (EDA) was carried out to use as anode material for methanol oxidative fuel cell in H 2SO 4 medium. Electronic absorption spectrum of bath solution containing Ni 2+, Pd 2+ ions and EDA indicated the formation of a four coordinate square planar metal–ligand complex of both the metal ions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the deposited alloy films show an increase in Pd–Ni alloy lattice parameter with increase in Pd content, and indicate the substitution of Pd in the lattice. A nano/ultrafine kind of crystal growth was observed in the alloy film deposited at low current density (2.5 mA cm −2). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) studies on the successively sputtered films showed the presence of Ni and Pd in pure metallic states and the surface concentration ratio of Ni to Pd is less than bulk indicating the segregation of Pd on the surface. Electro-catalytic oxidation of methanol in H 2SO 4 medium is found to be promoted on Ni–Pd electrodeposits. The anodic peak current characteristics to oxidation reaction on Ni–Pd was found typically high when compared to pure nickel and the relative increase in surface area by alloying the Ni by Pd was found to be as much as 300 times.