The effect of applied pulses on the electro-oxidation of ethylene glycol in alkaline media

• Grant number: 25/04524-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Hamilton Brandão Varela de Albuquerque
• Grantee: Henrique Providelo Meirelles
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Company: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Politécnica (EP)
• Associated research grant: 20/15230-5 - Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation - RCG2I, AP.PCPE

Abstract

A key challenge in advancing sustainable energy technologies lies in enhancing the electro-oxidation of alcohols, such as ethanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol, for energy conversion devices like fuel cells and electrolyzers. The development of alternative catalysts to platinum is critical to achieving broader adoption and sustainability. Additionally, applying pulsed techniques offers potential solutions to issues such as surface poisoning and catalyst deactivation. This project proposes an exploratory investigation into the use of pulses in the electro-oxidation of ethylene glycol and, eventually, ethanol, using palladium-based and nickel electrodes in alkaline media to uncover insights into catalytic performance and durability under these conditions. The main goal of this research project is to study the electro-oxidation process using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic methods, investigating palladium's and nickel's catalytic properties along with the system's oscillatory behavior. The objectives include evaluating Pd-based electrodes catalytic efficiency and stability, understanding the electro oxidation mechanisms, and analyzing current and potential oscillations.