Synthesis and application of nanocatalysts core-shell morphology based for the alcohols electro-oxidation in alkaline media.

• Grant number: 12/07464-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): July 01, 2012
• Effective date (End): July 07, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Adalgisa Rodrigues de Andrade
• Grantee: Rodrigo Garcia da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 13/25632-0 - Physical characterization and DAFC performance of core@shell nanocatalysts in alkaline media, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

The alternative "clean" electricity generation has attracted attention of the academic and scientific world, targeting energy sources more efficient and less harmful to the environment.Several electrocatalysts using platinum and palladium in his compositions have been used for applications in direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs), but difficulties concerning the cost and quantity of the catalysts metals, low-power cell obtained, reduced efficiency in the C-C bonds breaking, and problems with the poisoning of the catalyst have limited this technology application for large-scale systems.It is proposed in this project, preparation and application of nano-structured electrocatalysts with new morphology such as core-shell bimetallic systems Pt- and Pd-based, seeking to promote the oxidation of ethanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol, which are alternative fuels sources to methanol. It will be synthesized core-shell bimetallic systems M@Pt and M@Pd, (M = Ru, Sn or Ni) supported on high surface carbon area (Carbon Vulcan) and carbon nanotubes (CNT's), by three different methods: i) polyol employing the sequential process, ii) a sequential process of metal deposition, iii) chemical synthesis using the oxidation/reduction reactions.The physical characterization of nanocatalysts will be held through the techniques of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD), X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and High-Angle Annular Dark Field (HAADF). The electrochemical characterization will be performed using the techniques of cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, and the CO-stripping techniques, in order to estimate the electrochemically active area of the nanocatalysts. During the controlled potential electrolysis application, it will be carried out analyzes of the products formed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). In situ infrared reflectance technique (FTIR) will also be performed to allow us to obtain the products adsorbed at the interface. Finally, unit cells test to evaluate the electrocatalysts performance, durability and, stability will be performed.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DA SILVA, RODRIGO GARCIA; NETO, SIDNEY AQUINO; KOKOH, KOUAKOU BONIFACE; DE ANDRADE, ADALGISA RODRIGUES. Electroconversion of glycerol in alkaline medium: From generation of energy to formation of value-added products. Journal of Power Sources, v. 351, p. 174-182, MAY 31 2017. (12/07464-0)