Effect of fuel type on CeO2 foam support synthesized by solution combustion for modified of palladium particles toward ethanol electrooxidation

In this research work, the aim is to synthesize a suitable electrocatalyst to improve the performance of palladium particles in the oxidation of ethanol. For this purpose, the CeO2 support was prepared with two fuels of glucose and citric acid by solution combustion synthesis method and they were labeled as foam cerium oxide (FCOG and FCOC). The electrochemical active surface of the FCOG and FCOC supports was measured, 238.72 and 151.35 m2.g-1, respectively. The palladium particles were loaded on the surface and inside these foam supports and are labeled as Pd-FCOG and Pd-FCOC. Electrochemical studies of cyclic voltammetry and controlled potential coulometry were performed to compare the behavior of palladium particles onto these supports toward ethanol electrooxidation. The higher number of Pd-FCOG holes compared to Pd-FCOC lead to more ethanol storage, better stability and dispersion of palladium particles into the cavities. Comparisons were done for further oxidation of ethanol and the ability to remove disturbing species for Pd-FCOG and Pd-FCOC. The parameters of turn over number and turn over frequency were determined and was analyzed for both electrocatalysts.Finally, ethanol adsorption were determined on Pd-FCOG and Pd-FCOC electrocatalysts by the potentiodynamic polarization technique.

Keywords:

Ethanol electrooxidation , Fuel cell , Electrocatalyst , Solution combustion synthesis , Adsorption isotherm