Nanostructured OMO type Manganese Oxide – as Novel Support for Palladium towards Electrooxidation of Methanol and Ethylene Glycol

Abstract

Octahedral molecular sieve type manganese oxide (OMO) was synthesized by the ultra sonic assisted hydrothermal method, and was subsequently used as supportive material for palladium (Pd) metal towards the electrooxidation of methanol and ethylene glycol. The Pd nanoparticles were coated on the OMO by insitu reduction method. Low quantity of 5% Pd metal was used and the electrocatalytic activity was studied. The prepared OMO and the OMO/Pd nanocomposite were characterized by powder X–ray diffractogram (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X–ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electrochemical methods. These studies demonstrated that the OMO can act as a good catalyst supporting material. The OMO helps to enhance the catalytic activity of Pd metal by supplying the active oxygen, which is extracted from the electrolytic solution. The electrooxidation of EG shows improved catalytic activity.