Synergistic Combination of Pd and Co Catalyst Nanoparticles over Self-Designed MnO2Structure: Green Synthetic Approach and Unprecedented Electrode Kinetics in Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell

Abstract

The present study deals with sonochemical synthetic approach in fabricating PdCo/MnO2 catalyst for the study of ethanol oxidation reaction in alkali medium. SEM and TEM images reveal that MnO2 morphology is changed from nanowire to nanorod during intercalation of Pd, Co NPs in the support materials. Charge transfer across the electrode–electrolyte interface becomes facile due to (2 × 2) pore tunnels of α MnO2. Lowering of Pd loading around 40% in the catalyst matrix by Co not only makes the catalyst cheaper but also enhances the ethanol oxidation current by 66.3% compared to Pd/C. Extensive electrolysis on Pd61Co39/MnO2 over a considerable span of potential is reflected in the voltammetric features, typically demonstrating the synergistic effect of the Pd–Co ad atoms ingrained on α MnO2 structure. Chrono-amperometric analysis for an extended period indicates excellent sustainability of Pd61Co39/MnO2 in the oxidation environment. The yield of oxidation products on Pd61Co39/MnO2, derived from ion chromatogr...