Niobium increasing the electrocatalytic activity of palladium for alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell

Author(s)

Moura Souza, F. ^[1] ; Bohnstedt, P. ^[1] ; Pinheiro, V. S. ^[1] ; Oliveira, L. A. ^[1] ; Batista, B. L. ^[1] ; Parreira, L. S. ^[2] ; Antunes, R. A. ^[1] ; Santos, M. C. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Abc, LEMN, CCNH, Rua Santa Adelia 166, BR-09210170 Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, IQ, Ave Prof Lineu Prestes 748, Cidade Univ, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY; v. 858, FEB 1 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Palladium and niobium in 1: 0, 3:1, 2:1 and 1:1 carbon black electrocatalysts, respectively, were prepared by a chemical reduction method. The Pd1Nb1/C electrocatalyst showed a maximum power density of 27 mW cm(-2) at 60 degrees C in the ethanol direct alkaline fuel cell (ADEFC) experiment. The residues of products formed in 60 degrees C of ADEFC operation were analyzed by FT-Raman and Pd1Nb1/C presented higher carbonate formation than the other products using the different electrocatalysts. In addition, the electrocatalysts of Pd1Nb1/C exhibited a more negative onset potential for both the CO stripping experiment and the ethanol oxidation reaction. Nb also increased the exchange current density by ethanol oxidation using the different electrocatalysts. We suggest that higher hydrophilicity, greater number of defects and oxygenated species promote bifunctional and electronic effects, improving the electrocatalytic activity of Pd. Therefore, Nb is an interesting co-catalyst for ADEFC Pd-based electrocatalysts. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/26288-1 - Hybrid electrocatalysts based on Pd, Pt and Sn nanoparticles, and on ceria nanorods for application in fuel cells
• Grantee: Victor dos Santos Pinheiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 15/10314-8 - Nanostructures for Phenol, Ciprofloxacin and 17±-ethinylestradiol Degradation
• Grantee: Mauro Coelho dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/22976-0 - Development of palladium and niobium nanoelectrocatalysts for alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells
• Grantee: Felipe de Moura Souza
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 17/10118-0 - Study and application of electrochemical technology for the analysis and degradation of endocrine interferents: materials, sensors, processes and scientific dissemination
• Grantee: Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/21846-6 - Nanostructures for environmental remediation and power generation from renewable sources
• Grantee: Mauro Coelho dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Regular Program Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/26307-9 - Development of Pd and Nb electrocatalysts for application in fuel cells and degradation of organic pollutants
• Grantee: Paula Böhnstedt
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation