Transition metal oxide-polymer composite supported PtPd/PNVC-WO3 nano-catalyst: Multifaceted functional behavior boosting the performance of ethanol oxidation kinetics

Abstract

This investigation involves synthesis of PtPd catalyst nano-particles supported on tungsten oxide (WO3) and poly-N vinyl carbazole (PNVC) composite for validation in ethanol oxidation reaction. The tungsten oxide acquires excellent functional property by hydrogen spill over phenomenon that facilitates hydrogen tungsten bronze formation while conducting polymer enhances the charge transfer ability within the direct ethanol fuel cell framework. The catalyst nano-particles are found to be in the size range 3–5 nm, revealed from structure and morphology studies. Electrochemical characterizations derive output power density of ∼54 mW cm−2 and mass activity ∼1.9 A/mgPt, in terms of specific current density for ethanol oxidation. Ion chromatographic analysis quantifies the reaction intermediates, acetate and carbonate to the extent of 396 and 280 ppm using 1 M ethanol solution. Self designed composite nano-structures of PtPd/PNVC-WO3 with reduced Pt share provide astounding opportunity for the catalytic reaction to gear up to the complete oxidation kinetics.