Highly dispersed carbon-supported Pd nanoparticles catalyst synthesized by novel precipitation–reduction method for formic acid electrooxidation

The highly dispersed and ultrafine carbon-supported Pd nanoparticles (Pd/C) catalyst is synthesized by using an improved precipitation–reduction method, which involves in Pd^II → PdO·H₂O → Pd⁰ reaction path. In the method, palladium oxide hydrate (PdO·H₂O) nanoparticles (NPs) with high dispersion is obtained easily by adjusting solution pH in the presence of 1,4-butylenediphosphonic acid (H₂O₃P-(CH₂)₄-PO₃H₂, BDPA). After NaBH₄ reduction, the resulting Pd/C catalyst possesses high dispersion and small particle size. As a result, the electrochemical measurements indicate that the resulting Pd/C catalyst exhibits significantly high electrochemical active surface area and high electrocatalytic performance for formic acid electrooxidation compared with that prepared by general NaBH₄ reduction method.     

Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of an ultrafine Pd/C catalyst for formic acid electrooxidation

An ultrafine Pd/C catalyst with a uniformly sized and highly dispersed nanostructure was synthesized by an improved liquid phase reduction method; in this process, a complexone (trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid, C_yDTA) was used as an alternative stabilizer for the first time. Physicochemical characterizations indicated that the resulting Pd nanoparticles possessed ideal structural characteristics, including an average diameter of 2.1 nm, narrow size distribution ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 nm, no visible agglomerations, and no residual C_yDTA. Electrochemical tests showed that the catalytic activity of the obtained Pd/C catalyst for formic acid electrooxidation was 2.2 times greater than that of Pd/C catalyst prepared in the absence of C_yDTA. This improvement in the electrocatalytic performance was attributed to the uniformly sized and highly dispersed nanostructure, which provided a larger overall electrochemical active surface area.     

Pd nanoparticles supported on carbon-modified rutile TiO2 as a highly efficient catalyst for formic acid electrooxidation

In this article, Pd nanoparticles supported on carbon-modified rutile TiO₂ (CMRT) as a highly efficient catalyst for formic acid electrooxidation were investigated. Pd/CMRT catalyst was synthesized by using liquid phase reduction method in which Pd nanoparticles was loaded on the surface of CMRT obtained through a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Pd/CMRT shows three times the catalytic activity of Pd/C, as well as better catalytic stability towards formic acid electrooxidation. The enhanced catalytic property of Pd/CMRT mainly arises from the improved electronic conductivity of carbon-modified rutile TiO₂, the dilated lattice constant of Pd nanoparticles, an increasing of surface steps and kinks in the microstructure of Pd nanoparticles and slightly better tolerance to the adsorption of poisonous intermediates.     

The influence of the crystal structure of TiO2 support material on Pd catalysts for formic acid electrooxidation

The influence of the crystal structure of TiO₂ support material on Pd catalyst-mediated formic acid electrooxidation was investigated. Pd/TiO₂ catalysts were synthesized by loading Pd on TiO₂ with different crystal structures obtained by calcinations at different temperatures. Electrochemical tests showed that TiO₂ with the rutile structure improved the catalytic activity of Pd nanoparticles toward formic acid electrooxidation. Physicochemical and electrochemical characterizations revealed that the enhancement of Pd/TiO₂ (rutile) catalytic activity arose from uniform dispersion of Pd nanoparticles, an increase in surface-active sites, and good tolerance to the adsorption of poisonous intermediates (such as CO_ad, COOH_ad and so on).     

Size-controlled synthesis and impedance-based mechanistic understanding of Pd/C nanoparticles for formic acid oxidation

This work provides a detailed electrochemical impedance study for formic acid electro-oxidation on size-controlled Pd/C nanoparticles, the synthesis of which was done by a simple protocol using ethylene glycol as a reducing agent. By controlling KOH concentration, this strategy provides a synthesis method for Pd nanoparticles with a selective size range of 3.9–7.5 nm. The as-prepared Pd nanoparticles exhibited size-dependent electrochemical property and electrochemical characterizations of four different Pd/C nanocatalysts (3.9, 5.2, 6.1, and 7.5 nm) showed that Pd particle with average size of 6.1 nm has the highest formic acid oxidation activity. Electrochemical impedance-based characterizations of formic acid oxidation on Pd/C suggested that at high potentials the adsorbed oxygen species could block the catalyst surface and inhibit the oxidation reaction, as reflected by the negative polarization resistance. Unlike Pd/C, the intermediate adsorbed CO species (CO_ads) plays a critical role for formic oxidation on Pt/C and thus the impedance spectra of Pd/C and Pt/C appear different potential-dependent patterns in the second quadrant. The issue of CO was investigated by an impedance investigation of Pd/C in a mixture of formic acid containing dissolved CO.     

Electrooxidation of methanol and formic acid on PtCu nanoparticles

Improving the catalytic activity of the anode catalyst is an important task in direct methanol and formic acid fuel cell development. In the present work, catalytic activity of shape-controlled PtCu nanoparticles toward methanol and formic acid oxidation was investigated. The results show that the addition of Cu to Pt increases the catalytic activity of both reactions. In addition, the shape of PtCu nanoparticles plays an important role on improving the reactivity of both reactions. Cubic PtCu nanoparticles are more active for methanol oxidation while spheres are better for formic acid oxidation. The present study demonstrates controlling shape of Pt alloy catalysts is an effective way of improving catalytic activity. Likely mechanisms of the activity enhancement are briefly discussed.     

热活化提升Pd/C催化剂甲酸电氧化性能的研究

通过微波辅助多元醇方法以XC-72碳黑作为基体材料制备了Pd/C材料,对其进行惰性气氛下热活化处理,制备了热活化Pd/C催化剂,并对不同温度制备的Pd/C催化剂的电催化甲酸氧化反应的性能进行了探究。在电化学测试中,热活化后的Pd/C催化剂的电催化活性和长时间运行稳定性都得到了显著提升。此外,在对热活化温度优化后,发现当热活化温度达到500℃时,所制备的Pd/C-500℃催化剂的甲酸电氧化活性和稳定性达到最佳水平。分析认为,催化性能的提升来源于Pd纳米颗粒的结晶性的提高,以及更强的金属载体的相互作用。     

Electrochemical characterization of the electrooxidation of methanol,ethanol and formic acid on Pt/C and PtRu/C electrodes

Methanol, ethanol and formic acid electrooxidations in acid medium on Pt/C and PtRu/C catalysts were investigated. The catalysts were prepared by a microwave-assisted polyol process. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were employed to provide quantitative and qualitative information on the kinetics of methanol, ethanol and formic acid oxidations. The PtRu/C catalyst showed higher anodic current densities than the Pt/C catalyst and the addition of Ru reduced the poisoning effect.     

络合还原法制备的Pd/C催化剂对甲酸氧化的电催化性能

分别以硼氢化钠和乙二醇为还原剂,经络合还原法制备了炭载钯（Pd/C）催化剂。透射电镜（TEM）和X射线粉末衍射谱（XRD）结果表明,以乙二醇为还原剂制备的Pd/C催化剂中Pd粒子具有较小的粒径、均匀的粒径分布和较大的相对结晶度,Pd粒子的平均粒径和相对结晶度分别为4.2±2 nm和1.88。电化学测试结果显示,以乙二醇为还原剂制备的Pd/C催化剂具有较大的电化学活性面积,对甲酸氧化表现出较高的电催化活性和稳定性。     

Vapour phase hydrogenation of olefins by formic acid over a Pd/C catalyst

It has been found that ethylene and propylene could be effectively hydrogenated by formic acid vapour over a Pd/carbon catalyst at low temperatures (<440 K). Surface hydrogen formation from formic acid is the rate-determining step for this hydrogenation reaction. Interaction of this hydrogen with the olefins is then fast. The conversion of formic acid in the presence of either of the olefins at any temperature is higher than in their absence. This has been explained by a much lower surface hydrogen concentration in the presence of the olefins. Direct experiments have confirmed that hydrogen inhibits the formic acid decomposition. Water vapour addition has a small positive effect on the decomposition of formic acid as well as on the hydrogenation of the olefins with formic acid. Catalysts consisting of gold supported on carbon or titania are both active in the production of hydrogen from formic acid. However, in contrast to the Pd/C catalyst, neither gives hydrogenation of the olefins with this acid.     

Electrooxidation of formic acid on carbon supported PtxPd1−x (x = 0-1) nanocatalysts

In this work, carbon supported Pt_xPd_1−x (x = 0-1) nanocatalysts were investigated for formic acid oxidation. These catalysts were synthesized by a surfactant-stabilized method with 3-(N,N-dimethyldodecylammonio) propanesulfonate (SB12) as the stabilizer. They show better Pt/Pd dispersion and higher catalytic performance than the corresponding commercial catalysts. Furthermore, the electrocatalytic properties of Pt_xPd_1−x/C were found to depend strongly on the Pt/Pd deposition sequence and on the Pt/Pd atomic ratio. At a lower potential, formic acid oxidation current on co-deposited Pt_xPd_1−x/C catalysts increase with increasing Pd surface concentration. Nanoscale Pd/C is a promising formic acid oxidation catalyst candidate for the direct formic acid fuel cell.     

Preparation of high performance Pd catalysts supported on untreated multi-walled carbon nanotubes for formic acid oxidation

Due to the inherent inertness of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), one of the most significant challenges in the preparation of CNT-supported catalysts is achieving a uniform deposition of nanoparticles on the surface of the nanotubes. In this paper, we report on the preparation and characterization of Pd nanoparticles supported on untreated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), synthesized in the presence of glutamate. The results of Raman spectroscopy revealed that this synthetic procedure does not have a detrimental effect on the surface structure of MWCNTs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements indicated that the dispersion of Pd nanoparticles on untreated-MWCNTs in the presence of glutamate were uniform, and a narrow particle size was observed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated that the Pd/MWCNT catalyst possessed a face-centered cubic crystal structure. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry tests demonstrated that the obtained Pd/MWCNT catalyst displayed superior electrocatalytic activity and stability in formic acid oxidation, as compared to both a Pd/MWCNT catalyst synthesized without glutamate and a Pd catalyst on acid-oxidized MWCNTs, under otherwise identical experimental conditions. These results indicate that the catalyst developed in this study is a superior candidate for direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs).     

Synthesis of Pd/C Catalyst by Modified Polyol Process for Formic Acid Electrooxidation

Pd catalyst supported on Vulcan XC‐72 carbon black was prepared by a modified polyol process. Its performance was compared with that of Pd/C catalyst prepared by impregnation reduction method by using NaBH₄ as a reducing agent for formic acid electrooxidation. Their physical characterisations were tested by means of energy dispersive analysis of X‐ray, X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron micrographs. Their activities were presented by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The results show that the particle sizes of Pd/C catalysts prepared by modified polyol process and impregnation reduction method are 3.9 and 7.9 nm, respectively. The size dispersion of the former is narrower and more homogeneous than that of the latter. However, both of Pd/C catalysts display the characteristic diffraction peaks of a Pd face‐centred cubic (f.c.c.) crystal structure. The results of electrochemical measurements present that the Pd/C catalyst prepared by modified polyol process has the higher electrocatalytic activity and stability for formic acid electrooxidation in comparison to the Pd/C one by impregnation reduction method due to the particle size effect, and its peak current density of CV and the current of chronoamperometric curve at 1,000 s reach 33.2 and 11.2 mA cm^–2, respectively.     

Study of the kinetics and the influence of Biirr on formic acid oxidation at Pt2Ru3/C

Electrochemical oxidation of HCOOH in H₂SO₄ and HClO₄ solutions was examined on thin film Pt₂Ru₃/C electrode. XRD pattern revealed that Pt₂Ru₃ alloy consisted of the solid solution of Ru in Pt and the small amount of Ru or solid solution of Pt in Ru. According to STM images, Pt₂Ru₃ particles size was between 2 and 6 nm. It was established that electrochemical oxidation of HCOOH commenced at −0.1 V versus SCE at Pt sites in the catalyst. Kinetic parameters indicated that dehydrogenation path was predominant. Dehydration occurs in parallel, but without significant poisoning by CO_ad owing to oxidative removal by OH species on Ru atoms. The coverage of Pt₂Ru₃ surface by CO preadsorbed from the solution was found to be 24% lower when the surface was modified by irreversibly adsorbed Bi. Modification by Bi also shifted the onset potential for HCOOH oxidation for about 50 mV towards more negative values and consequently, increased the reaction rate for a factor of two. It was proposed that Ru acts through bifunctional mechanism, i.e. OH species adsorbed on Ru oxidizes CO_ad from Pt sites, while Bi hinders the adsorption of CO on Pt sites via electronic and/or ensemble effects.     

Au/Pd core-shell nanoparticles with varied hollow Au cores for enhanced formic acid oxidation

A facile method has been developed to synthesize Au/Pd core-shell nanoparticles via galvanic replacement of Cu by Pd on hollow Au nanospheres. The unique nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and electrochemical measurements. When the concentration of the Au solution was decreased, grain size of the polycrystalline hollow Au nanospheres was reduced, and the structures became highly porous. After the Pd shell formed on these Au nanospheres, the morphology and structure of the Au/Pd nanoparticles varied and hence significantly affected the catalytic properties. The Au/Pd nanoparticles synthesized with reduced Au concentrations showed higher formic acid oxidation activity (0.93 mA cm^-2 at 0.3 V) than the commercial Pd black (0.85 mA cm^-2 at 0.3 V), suggesting a promising candidate as fuel cell catalysts. In addition, the Au/Pd nanoparticles displayed lower CO-stripping potential, improved stability, and higher durability compared to the Pd black due to their unique core-shell structures tuned by Au core morphologies.     

钯基催化剂应用于甲酸电氧化反应的研究进展

甲酸是一种很有前途的化学储氢材料,可作为低温液体燃料电池的直接燃料。钯基催化剂作为直接甲酸燃料电池（DFAFC）阳极材料,对甲酸氧化具有良好的催化活性,能克服一氧化碳的毒化,在甲酸电化学氧化反应中主要按直接途径进行。降低贵金属含量、提高催化活性、提升稳定性是当前钯基催化材料研究领域的主要方向。主要介绍了当前研究中钯催化剂对甲酸电氧化的催化机理,综述了近5 a的钯合金催化剂制备、特殊形貌控制、碳负载对甲酸氧化活性增强的研究,对钯基催化剂的持续开发具有实际应用意义。     

Hydrogenation of CO2 to formic acid on supported ruthenium catalysts

We report on the preparation and application of novel heterogeneous supported ruthenium catalysts. The catalysts are active in the synthesis of formic acid from the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide and are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Abundant hydroxyl groups, which interact with the ruthenium components, play an important role in the catalytic reactions. Highly dispersed ruthenium hydroxide species enhance the hydrogenation of CO₂, while crystalline RuO₂ species, which are formed from the relatively high ruthenium content or the pH of the solution during preparation of the catalyst, restrict the production of formic acid. Optimal activity of ruthenium hydroxide as a catalyst for the hydrogenation of CO₂ to formic acid is achieved over a γ-Al₂O₃ supported 2.0 wt% ruthenium catalyst, which is prepared in a solution of pH 12.8 with NH₃·H₂O as a titration solvent. A possible hydrogenation mechanism for the hydroxide ruthenium catalyst is proposed.     

Ultrasonic-assisted synthesis of Pd–Ni alloy catalysts supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes for formic acid electrooxidation

Pd–Ni alloys with different compositions (i.e. Pd₂Ni, PdNi, PdNi₂) dispersed on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are prepared by ultrasonic-assisted chemical reduction. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicate that all Pd and Pd–Ni nanoparticles exist as Pd face-centered cubic structure, while Ni alloys with Pd. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show the addition of nickel decreases the particle size and improves the dispersion. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra demonstrate the electronic modification of Pd by nickel doping. The electrochemical measurements reveal that the PdNi catalysts have better catalytic activity and stability for formic acid electrooxidation, among them PdNi/MWCNTs is the best. The performance enhancement is ascribed to the increase of electroactive surface area (EASA) and nickel doping effect which might modify the electronic structure.     

Pb and Sb modified Pt/C catalysts for direct formic acid fuel cells

PtPb/C and PtSb/C bi-metallic catalysts were synthesized by chemical deposition of Pb or Sb on a commercial 40% Pt/C catalyst. The performances of catalysts with a range of compositions were compared in a multi-anode direct formic acid fuel cell in order to optimize compositions and evaluate the statistical significance of differences between catalysts. The catalytic activity for formic acid oxidation increased approximately linearly with adatom coverage for both PtPb/C and PtSb/C, to maxima at fractional coverages of ca. 0.7. At a cell voltage of 0.5 V, the currents at the optimum Pb or Sb coverages were ca. 8 times higher than at unmodified Pt/C. CO-stripping results indicate that the presence of Pb or Sb facilitates the oxidation of adsorbed CO. In addition, both metals appear to produce electronic effects that inhibit poison formation on the modified Pt surface.     

Improved electrocatalytic performance of Pd nanoparticles with size-controlled Nafion aggregates for formic acid oxidation

This work focuses on the effect of Nafion ionomer aggregation within the Pd catalytic electrode on electrocatalytic oxidation of formic acid. By a simple heat-treatment, the particle sizes of both Nafion ionomers in Nafion solution and congeries formed between Pd nanoparticles and Nafion ionomers in the catalyst ink decrease and their size distribution becomes narrow. Heat treatment of the catalyst ink leads to a significantly enhanced catalytic activity for formic acid oxidation on the Pd catalytic electrode. Such an enhancement is ascribed to the improvement in catalyst utilization verified by CO stripping voltammograms and to the decrease in charge-transfer resistance of oxidation reaction confirmed by impedance analysis. Typical XPS analysis shows that there are at least two kinds of Pd and S surface states within the catalytic electrode with the ink pre-heated at 25 °C and only one kind of Pd and S surface state at 80 °C, indicative of a better dispersion between Pd nanoparticles and smaller Nafion ionomers at a higher heat treatment temperature. Furthermore, the decrease in congeries size within the anode catalyst ink leads to a significant decrease in Nafion loading within the catalytic layer and a remarkable improvement in direct formic acid fuel cell's performance.