Eggshell membrane templated Y₂O₃@Pd catalyst for enhanced methanol oxidation and CO tolerance

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.

Keywords:

• Methanol oxidation reaction
• Direct methanol fuel cells
• Template
• Catalysts
• Rare earth

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).