AuPd cubic and octahedral core-shell nanostructures were synthesized by seed growth method and its performance was evaluated in the formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR). The core-shell nanostructure shapes were confirmed by SEM in Figure 1. The electrochemical surface areas were obtained by CO stripping. The electrocatalytic activity in the FAOR was evaluated in a 0.5 M HClO4 and 1 M HCOOH electrolyte by cyclic voltammetry in Figure 1. The cubic nanostructure showed the best current density for the direct route in the FAOR. The AuPd core-shell encouraged the FAOR direct or indirect route by the CO adsorption-desorption processes on the surface of each shape. Figure 1

The use of proton exchange membrane fuel cells as viable energy conversion alternatives, coupled with the apparent diminution of internal combustion engines in transport means, brings in the opportunity to evaluate novel materials, while decreasing the use of noble expensive metals in the electrodes; overall the fuel cell efficiency is improved. This work deals with the synthesis of Pd-based electrocatalysts through a combustion method. Electrocatalysts were characterization by XRD and SEM (as shown in Figure 1). The electrochemical evaluation was carried out with a Fuel Cell Test System, see Figure 2. Figure 1

Increments of significant Green House Gases emissions, GHG, due to persistent policies on continuing fossil fuel burning has led, in return, to more research on conversion, storage and distribution of sustainable energy sources. Direct Liquid Fuel Cells (DLFCs) coupled with Pd-based nanoparticles (PdNPs), as renewable energy sources, are capable of attaining relatively high energy conversion efficiencies, safety of operation and dependability; together, they can be applied to portable devices and transport means. For example, Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells (DFACs) are used for these applications. This work deals with the synthesis of Pd-based electrocatalysts through a combustion method. Electrocatalysts were characterized by XRD and SEM. Further, the ensuing electrochemical characterization was carried out by means of the electrocatalysts activation, CO adsorption/oxidation and formic acid electro-oxidation. Figure 1

Palladium-based electrocatalysts supported on carbon Vulcan XC72R were synthesized by combustion to step up the methanol electro-oxidation reaction (MER) in alkaline media and physico-chemically characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to establish composition, crystallite and particle sizes, respectively. The catalytic activity was evaluated by electrochemical techniques, namely, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA) using the well-known electrochemical parameter: steady state anodic current density (j ss).

The batteries are portable devices that allow to storage chemical energy and provide electric current directly. Inside the batteries, one of the most used materials is Lithium, which includes a large number of applications. In recent years, the investigation of ion-Na and Na-MnO₂ batteries has been intensified as an alternative to Li-MnO₂ batteries. Lithium and sodium have many similar chemical characteristics and their low cost and the wide availability of sodium are factors that can make them more used in the future. An important concern in the increase of lithium battery production lies in the limited natural resources provided by this material, and its heterogeneous distribution in the earth's crust This work is focused on the preparation of Na-MnO₂ electrodes for secondary batteries and the microstructural, structural, and electrochemical characterization of them. The synthesis technique was hydrothermal non-conventional type. The contributions are found in the comparison of the properties and electronic elements of the synthesized materials. The impact of this project is on the possible use of Na-MnO₂ electrodes as an alternative material to the one currently used in Li-MnO₂ batteries. Figure 1