High activity of Pd–WO3/C catalyst as anodic catalyst for direct formic acid fuel cell

Abstract

Pd nanoparticles supported on the WO3/C hybrid are prepared by a two-step procedure and the catalysts are studied for the electrooxidation of formic acid. For the purpose of comparison, phosphotungstic acid (PWA) and sodium tungstate are used as the precursor of WO3. Both the Pd–WO3/C catalysts have much higher catalytic activity for the electrooxidation of formic acid than the Pd/C catalyst. The Pd–WO3/C catalyst prepared from PWA shows the best catalytic activity and stability for formic acid oxidation; it also shows the maximum power density of approximately 7.6mWcm−2 when tested with a small single passive fuel cell. The increase of electrocatalytic activity and stability is ascribed to the interaction between the Pd and WO3, which promotes the oxidation of formic acid in the direct pathway. The precursors used for the preparation of the WO3/C hybrid support have a great effect on the performance of the Pd–WO3/C catalyst. The WO3/C hybrid support prepared from PWA is beneficial to the dispersion of Pd nanoparticles, and the catalyst has potential application for direct formic acid fuel cell.