The effect of synthesis temperature on Pd-H catalyst structure for alkaline direct formate fuel cells

Abstract

Palladium on a carbon support, electron-enriched by hydrogen incorporation to form Pd (Pd-H/C), was synthesized via dimethylamine borane complex at multiple temperatures and used for the oxidation of formate (HCOO"). Physicochemical analysis revealed no significant changes in the Pd-H/C structures, with changes in only the particle size and dispersibility. The electronic effect of H was confirmed by physicochemical and electrochemical analysis and by the comparison of synthesized Pd-H/C with commercial Pd/C. The catalyst synthesized at 0 °C showed best catalytic activity for the oxidation of HCOO" because it possessed the largest electrochemical surface area due to its smallest particle size and best dispersibility. © The Electrochemical Society.