Electrooxidation of ethylene glycol on carbon black-supported palladium-Ruthenium nanoparticle's surface

The study involved the conversion of Palladium (Pd) and Ruthenium (Ru) metal-supported carbon black (CB) into a hybrid nano electrocatalyst using the microwave synthesis method. Among the four tested catalysts (Pd/CB, Pd₁Ru₁, Pd₁Ru₂, and Pd₂Ru₁), Pd₂Ru₁ electrocatalyst demonstrated the most effective performance for ethylene glycol electrooxidation (−0.51 V onset potential, 0.13 mA/cm2 current density and −0.21 V anodic peak potential). The physical and chemical properties of the hybrid electrocatalysts were characterized using optical and electrochemical techniques. Additionally, the electrochemical test indicated that Pd₂Ru₁ exhibited superior poisoning resistance and improved electrochemical stability compared to other tested materials. Also, the catalyst generated close to 0.055 A hydrogen production current while the presence of ethanol enhanced the oxidative current. The performance of the cell at two different temperatures (22 and 56 °C) was also elucidated with up to 0.87 and 0.57 V voltage outputs respectively. The study revealed the potential of Pd₂Ru₁ as an efficient anodic electrocatalyst in the ethylene glycol direct fuel cell assemblies.