Enhancing methanol oxidation reaction by incorporating La2O3 into eggshell membrane templated Pd as electrocatalyst

Abstract

The issues of dissolution, agglomeration, CO poisoning and high cost associated with the use of Pt electrode for fuel cells have been driving the search for alternative electrocatalysts with better technical and economic performances. In this study, we report the synthesis of alternative macroporous Pd and La2O3 incorporated Pd network catalysts for electrochemical methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in direct methanol fuel cells using eggshell membrane (ESM) template. The microstructural characterisation reveals a hierarchically ordered macroporous network of Pd reproducing the fibrous structure of ESM with average porosity and pore diameter of 39·5% and 2·33 μm respectively. The electrochemical characterisations show enhanced electrocatalytic activity, durability and CO tolerance of MOR by incorporating La2O3 into Pd network. The improved charge transfer and stability, along with lower cost promise the La2O3 added Pd to be robust catalysts in direct methanol fuel cells.