Influence of the composition and morphology of PdNiFe/C nanocatalysts toward ethanol oxidation

Abstract

We investigate the electrocatalytic activity of Pd, NiFe@Pd, and PdxNiyFez catalysts toward ethanol oxidation in alkaline media using electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical measurements. The addition of Ni-Fe to Pd (both alloy and core–shell) enhances their activity and stability toward ethanol oxidation, mainly for those with 30at.% of Ni + Fe. In situ FTIR data reveals that Ni and Fe favor the formation of acetate and acetic acid at lower potentials due to their oxophilic character, while the core–shell catalyst produces these intermediates at the lowest potentials. Our study highlights the synergetic role of composition and core–shell morphology in their catalytic activity.