PdNi-coated manganite nanorods as catalyst for electrooxidation of methanol in alkaline medium

R Kannan,K Karunakaran,S Vasanthkumar

doi:10.1007/s13204-011-0049-5

Abstract

Palladium and Nickel (PdNi) were coated on the manganite nanorods (MN) by a in situ reduction method. The prepared nanocatalyst was characterized by powder X-ray diffractrogram (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and electrochemical studies. The XRD patterns and EDS measurements confirm the formation of nanocrystalline PdNi on the surface of the MN. This nanocatalyst was tested for the electrooxidation of methanol in alkaline medium. The PdNi/MN catalyst modified electrode shows improved current response when compared with Pd/MN and Pd/C modified electrodes. The forward oxidation potential was shifted negative and the backward oxidation current was minimized compared with Pd/C. The electrooxidation of methanol was studied at various concentrations of KOH and methanol. The methanol electrooxidation exhibits highest current response for 9 M KOH/6 M CH3OH solution. The presence of MN act as excellent support material and help in the electrocatalytic activity of PdNi.

Highlights

Alternative sources of energy have been of intensive concern due to environmental problems and because of the decline in the availability of fossil fuels
The surface morphology of the manganite nanorods (MN) and Palladium and Nickel (PdNi)/MN was characterized by TEM (Fig. 1b, c)
The cyclic voltammograms of Pd/MN and PdNi/MN (5% of Pd; Fig. 4Ca, b) in 1 M KOH/1 M CH3OH solution has been compared, and it indicates that the PdNi/MN exhibits a higher electrocatalytic activity with enhanced current response compared to Pd/MN

Summary

Introduction

Alternative sources of energy have been of intensive concern due to environmental problems and because of the decline in the availability of fossil fuels. The methanol electrooxidation exhibits highest current response for 9 M KOH/ 6 M CH3OH solution.

Results

Conclusion