Abstract
Macroporous Pd and Y2O3@Pd network catalysts are synthesised using eggshell membrane as a template and explored for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) to replace the Pt catalysts and enhance the electrocatalytic activity and CO poisoning tolerance. The scanning electron microscopy observation, porosity, X-ray diffraction patterns and X-ray photoelectron spectra are used to characterise the resultant catalysts. The results reveal that the well crystalline Pd is in its metallic state and Y2O3 has crystalline hexagonal structure, and there is an interaction between Pd and Y2O3 on the interface of Pd and Y2O3. The cyclic voltammetric studies at room temperature indicate an enhanced electrocatalytic activity for MOR in acidic medium. Because of the preferential formation of Y–CO bond over Pd–CO bond, the resultant Y2O3@Pd catalysts remain excellent electrocatalysis toward methanol oxidation and CO poisoning tolerance. The enhanced electrocatalytic activity, excellent stability and CO tolerance, along with lowered cost, have promised the Y2O3@Pd to be a high performance and robust catalyst for methanol oxidation in direct methanol fuel cells.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Seed Fund from Ocean University of China and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (grant no. 201313001).