Effect of Ni content in PdNi/C anode catalysts on power and methanol co-generation in alkaline direct methane fuel cell type

Author(s)

Santos, M. C. L. ; Godoi, C. M. ; Kang, H. S. ; de Souza, R. F. B. ; Ramos, A. S. ; Antolini, E. ; Neto, A. O.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science; v. 578, p. 12-pg., 2020-10-15.

Abstract

PdNi electrocatalysts supported on carbon were used as anode materials for methane oxidation in alkaline direct methane fuel cells (ADMEFCs). The electrocatalysts were successfully synthesized by the NaBH4 reduction method. X-ray diffraction measurements showed the formation of non-alloyed Pd in the face- centered cubic (FCC) structure for all materials and formation of NiO and Ni(OH)(2) species. TEM images showed that the metal particles are well dispersed on the support with small agglomeration regions. Information about the surface structure of the catalyst were obtained by Raman spectra, mainly confirming the presence of Ni(OH)(2). The species observed by DEMS, that is, methanol (m/z = 32), CO2 (m/z = 44) and potassium formate (m/z = 84) were confirmed by FTIR, which also showed the presence of a high amount of carbonate in the methane oxidation products of the ADMEFC with Pd50Ni50/C as the anode catalyst. Tests in ADMEFCs showed that the dependence of the maximum power density on nickel content in the catalysts goes through a maximum value of 13.5 mu W cm(-2) at 50 at% Ni. Moreover, the amount of produced methanol decreases with increasing Ni content in the PdNi/C catalysts. Both these results can be explained by the enhanced methanol oxidation in the presence of nickel. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/50279-4 - Brasil Research Centre for Gas Innovation
• Grantee: Julio Romano Meneghini
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program
• FAPESP's process: 17/11937-4 - A sustainable path to methane conversion by advanced electrochemical technologies
• Grantee: Fabio Coral Fonseca
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program
• FAPESP's process: 14/09087-4 - Studies on the use of bioethanol in proton exchange membrane and solid oxide fuel cells
• Grantee: Marcelo Linardi
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants