Preparation of palladium nanoparticles–titanium electrodes as a new anode for direct methanol fuel cells

Abstract

Pd nanoparticle/Ti electrodes are prepared by electroless plating of palladium on titanium plates. The morphology and surface analysis of Pd nanoparticle/Ti electrodes are investigated using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, respectively. The results indicate that palladium nanoparticles are homogeneously deposited on the surface of titanium plates. The electro-catalytic activity of Pd nanoparticle/Ti electrodes in the methanol electro-oxidation is studied by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry methods. The results show that the electro-catalytic oxidation of methanol on the Pd nanoparticle/Ti electrode improved compare to pure palladium electrode and confirmed the better electro-catalytic activity and stability of these new electrodes.