Employing Piper longum extract for eco-friendly fabrication of PtPd alloy nanoclusters: advancing electrolytic performance of formic acid and methanol oxidation.

Abstract

Advancement in bioinspired alloy nanomaterials has a crucial impact on fuel cell applications. Here, we report the synthesis of PtPd alloy nanoclusters via the hydrothermal method using Piper longum extract, representing a novel and environmentally friendly approach. Physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized nanoclusters were investigated using various instrumentation techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and High-Resolution Transmission electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic activity of the biogenic PtPd nanoclusters towards the oxidation of formic acid and methanol was evaluated chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry studies. The surface area of the electrocatalyst was determined to be 36.6 m2g-1 by Electrochemical Surface Area (ECSA) analysis. The biologically inspired PtPd alloy nanoclusters exhibited significantly higher electrocatalytic activity compared to commercial Pt/C, with specific current responses of 0.24mAcm - 2 and 0.17mAcm - 2 at synthesis temperatures of 180°C and 200°C, respectively, representing approximately four times higher oxidation current after 120min. This innovative synthesis approach offers a promising pathway for the development of PtPd alloy nanoclusters with enhanced electrocatalytic activity, thereby advancing fuel cell technology towards a sustainable energy solution.