Palladium-Based Nanostructures Supported on Graphene Oxide for Formic Acid Electro-Oxidation

Abstract

Increments of significant Green House Gases emissions, GHG, due to persistent policies on continuing fossil fuel burning has led, in return, to more research on conversion, storage and distribution of sustainable energy sources. Direct Liquid Fuel Cells (DLFCs) coupled with Pd-based nanoparticles (PdNPs), as renewable energy sources, are capable of attaining relatively high energy conversion efficiencies, safety of operation and dependability; together, they can be applied to portable devices and transport means. For example, Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells (DFACs) are used for these applications. This work deals with the synthesis of Pd-based electrocatalysts through a combustion method. Electrocatalysts were characterized by XRD and SEM. Further, the ensuing electrochemical characterization was carried out by means of the electrocatalysts activation, CO adsorption/oxidation and formic acid electro-oxidation. Figure 1