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Heterostructured Pd/Ti/Pd Thin Films as Highly Efficient Catalysts for Methanol and Formic Acid Oxidation
Xueyi Lu1,2,3, Ziling Wang1, Yang Yang1
1School of Materials, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 510817, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|July 2, 2021
Summary
New heterostructured palladium-titanium-palladium (Pd/Ti/Pd) bimetallic thin films show superior electrocatalytic activity for fuel cells. These advanced catalysts offer enhanced stability and efficiency for methanol and formic acid oxidation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) require highly efficient electrocatalysts.
- Current catalysts face challenges with activity, stability, and poisoning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate novel heterostructured Pd/Ti/Pd bimetallic thin films as electrocatalysts for fuel cells.
- To investigate their electrocatalytic performance for methanol and formic acid oxidation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Pd/Ti/Pd bimetallic thin films using strain-release technology.
- Electrochemical characterization of catalytic activity, onset potential, and stability.
- Assessment of resistance to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
Main Results:
- Pd/Ti/Pd thin films exhibited significantly higher current densities for methanol (0.17 A mg-1Pd) and formic acid (0.56 A mg-1Pd) oxidation compared to commercial Pd black.
- Demonstrated low onset oxidation potential and excellent current retention in both acidic and alkaline media.
- Showcased enhanced resistance to carbon monoxide poisoning, leading to ultrahigh stability.
Conclusions:
- Heterostructured Pd/Ti/Pd bimetallic thin films are promising electrocatalysts for fuel cell applications.
- The unique structure enhances catalytic activity, stability, and poisoning resistance.
- These materials represent a potential advancement in energy conversion technologies for fuel cells.
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