Formic acid oxidation on Pd/RuO₂: does the RuO₂ support enhance the electrocatalytic activity of Pd nanoparticles?

Author(s)

Alvarenga, Gabriel. M. M. ; Palombarini, Julio ; Goncalves, Rosana. A. A. ; Berengue, Olivia. M. M. ; Nunes, Ronaldo. S. S. ; Santos, Sydney. F. F. ; Villullas, Hebe. M. M. ; Ciapina, Eduardo. G. G.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry; v. 27, n. 9, p. 13-pg., 2023-05-23.

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the effect of a RuO2 support on the activity of Pd nanoparticles for formic acid oxidation, comparing the results with those obtained for Pd/C. In contrast with reports of enhancing effects of RuO2 for other systems, such as methanol oxidation on Pt particles, our data reveal a detrimental effect of the RuO2 support on the activity of Pd nanoparticles for the oxidation of formic acid. FTIR spectra show CO2 formation at potentials as low as 0.10 V and absence of adsorbed CO signals, suggesting that a bifunctional mechanism involving OH species on the oxide support surface does not occur nor has a significant contribution and that formic acid oxidation on Pd/RuO2 and Pd/C takes place by the direct pathway. The unfavorable effect of the RuO2 support on activity seems likely to be due to metal-support interactions that modify the Pd electronic properties. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/21816-4 - Growth of semiconductor nanostructures based on tin and antimony oxides: study of structural and electronic transport properties
• Grantee: Olivia Maria Berengue
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/20780-4 - Metal-support interactions in electrocatalysis: influence of supports containing carbides on the oxygen reduction reaction on PD nanoparticles
• Grantee: Gabriel Martins de Alvarenga
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate