Pd/PANI/C Nanocomposites as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Media

We have synthesized polyaniline/carbon black-supported Pd nanoparticle composites (Pd/PANI/C) that show comparable activity and durability for ORR compared with Pd/C in alkaline solution. The HR-TEM images show that the Pd nanoparticles were more evenly distributed on the surface of the PANI/C than those on Pd/C. The activity of Pd/PANI/C catalyst for ORR depends on the ratio of PANI/C and the best activity occurs at ratio of 1:2, followed by 1:1 and 1:3. The four-electron reduction is more favorable on PPC2 (1:2) than other catalysts. The high performance of the Pd/PANI/C is attributed to the synergistic effect between PANI and carbon. And the results indicated incorporation of certain amounts of PANI into the Pd/C catalyst can prevent Pd nanoparticle agglomerations and maintain properties of the catalyst for ORR in alkaline medium. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].