Evaluation of Pd-Co Bimetallic Electrocatalysts in the Formic Acid Oxidation Reaction

Abstract

The main focus of this research is the synthesis and evaluation of Pd-Co bimetallic catalysts, in the formic acid electrochemical oxidation reaction (FAOR). The catalysts used were synthesized by electrodeposition using a choline chloride and urea Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) termed reline, as electrolytic medium. Electrodeposition potentials were previously selected after analysis by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and used in Chronoamperometry (CA). The electrode modified with bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) was used for FAOR, which is a key reaction in direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs). Electrodeposits were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) to determine diameters, morphology and analysis of elements that make up the bimetallic NPs.