Formic Acid Oxidation on Bimetallic Nanostructured Electrode Surfaces

Abstract

Direct formic acid fuel cells require highly active and durable electrocatalysts to enable the oxidation of formic acid at the anode. Pt and Pd are the most promising electrode materials for the electrochemical oxidation of formic acid. However, at low overpotentials, CO may form on the Pt surface to act as a poisoning species, which prevents further oxidation reactions. On the other hand, Pd is easily attacked by protons and gradually decays under acidic conditions. To address these issues, extensive research has been conducted with bimetallic Pt- and Pd-based materials to optimize the electrochemical activity of formic acid oxidation. In this article, the mechanism of formic acid oxidation on Pt- and Pd-based nanomaterials will be reviewed. Emphasis will be placed on strategies toward improving formic acid oxidation reaction activity, while enhancing the stability of Pt- and Pd-based bimetallic electrocatalysts. The outlook for future research and development in relation to formic acid oxidation electrocatalysts will also be discussed.