Electrochemical synthesis of PdNPs@MnO2-PPy nanocomposite and its electrocatalytic application towards glycerol oxidation

Abstract

Direct alcohol fuel cell (DAFC) exhibits several unique features, such as the high tendency to energy conversion, low cost, abundance of fuel, less hazardous to the environment, and simple handling, and has diverse applications in microelectronics. In this context, the present study describes a facile and straightforward method to fabricate the PdNPs@MnO2-PPy catalyst as an anode electrode for the oxidation of glycerol in an alkaline medium. Herein, the PdNPs@MnO2-PPy catalyst was developed through a two-step electrochemical deposition technique. The as-prepared catalyst was characterized by physicochemical and electrochemical techniques. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the PdNPs@MnO2-PPy catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic properties, anti-poisoning resistance to intermediates, and durability than that of already reported catalysts and Pd/C. These unique advantages of the proposed catalyst have been achieved due to PdNPs, strong synergistic effects, and MnO2-PPy support providing superior electron transfer. The proposed electrocatalyst exhibits high current density (240.2mA/cm2), large electrochemically active surface area (302.1 m2g−1), and good long-term stability (450 cycles). Further, the electrocatalysis mechanism of glycerol oxidation was studied. The design, synthesis, and excellent catalytic response of PdNPs@MnO2-PPy offer a conception and promising potential to be used as an anode electrode in direct alcohol fuel cells.