Study on the Preparation of Cocore-Pdshell/C Electro-Catalyst for DMFCs

Abstract

Electro-catalysts are the key materials in direct methanol fuel cells and strongly affect the performance, stability and durability of DMFC. PdCo/C is promising for its low cost, good methanol tolerance and relatively high ORR activity. In the paper PdshellCocore/C electro-catalyst was prepared by successive reduction method. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy dispersion spectroscope (EDS) and rotating disk electrode (RDE) techniques. The results show that Pdshell Cocore alloy is formed and the crystalline parameter of Pdshell Cocore/C is smaller than that of Pd/C. Ammonia water is a better complexing agent compared with sodium citrate. The atomic ratio between Pd and Co has influences over the ORR activity of the catalyst. The ratio of 3:1 possesses the highest activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).

Keywords:

• Direct methanol fuel cells
• oxygen reduction reaction
• PdCo/C electro-catalyst