Pd electrodeposition on a novel substrate of reduced graphene oxide/ poly(melem-formaldehyde) nanocomposite as an active and stable catalyst for ethanol electrooxidation in alkaline media

摘要

Palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) were successfully electrodeposited on a reduced graphene oxide/poly(melem-formaldehyde) nanocomposite (rGO/PMF) NC as a catalyst for ethanol electrooxidation in alkaline media; melem was used as a nitrogen-rich source in the substrate structure for the first time. The specific surface area and average pore diameter of (rGO/PMF) NC were 481.61 m2 gr-1 and 10.23 nm, respectively. High nitrogen doping and structural defects improved the dispersion and anchoring of Pd NPs on (rGO/ PMF) NC. The onset potential (Eonset) of Pd/(rGO/PMF) NC was shifted negatively to 110 mV, in comparison to Pd/rGO. Also, the current density and electrochemical active surface area (EASA) of Pd/(rGO/PMF) NC were enhanced to 44 mA cm-2 and 67.58 m2 gr-1, respectively, as compared to Pd/rGO. Furthermore, the stability of Pd/(rGO/PMF)NC was indicated against ethanol oxidation intermediates during 7000 s. This work also produced a superior graphene-based material for direct ethanol fuel cell anode catalysts applications.