Energy conversion using Pd-based catalysts in direct ethanol fuel cell

Abstract

Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells DEFCs are considered one of the promising renewable energy sources, as they can produce electrical energy directly from the ethanol electrooxidation reaction. The efficiency of ethanol electrooxidation is a big question from research point of view. In this work, Pd is used as catalyst for the electrooxidation in alkaline media aiming to improve the catalytic activity for ethanol electrooxidation reaction, and consequently the DEFC performance, more than using a Pt-based catalyst. In this research, Pd was used as an alternative for Pt-based catalyst. Additionally, it can be recorded that the alloying of Pd with Sn will enhance the efficiency through increasing the surface area of the PdSn catalysts.

On the Temperature Performance of Ethanol Oxidation Reaction at Palladium-Activated Nickel Foam

“…As kinetics of ethanol oxidation process were found to become significantly facilitated in alkaline environments [4][5][6][7][8], the range of suitable EOR catalyst materials was extended to cover non-noble but highly corrosion-resistant metals, such as nickel, which also possesses reasonable electrical and thermal conductivities and good mechanical durability [9,10]. Nickel foams have commercially been available for more than two decades.…”

Polymer electrolyte membrane modification in direct ethanol fuel cells: An update

“…In contrast to conventional techniques of electrical generation, which require numerous intermediate processes before reaching electrical power generation, it caused a reduction in energy conversion efficiency. 29,30 Furthermore, DEFCs also operate without any noise. This condition is very comfortable and suitable for human consumption, such as in the residential sector.…”

“…Compared to conventional energy resources technologies, DEFCs have high energy conversion efficiency in converting chemical energy to electrical energy due to the direct reaction process. In contrast to conventional techniques of electrical generation, which require numerous intermediate processes before reaching electrical power generation, it caused a reduction in energy conversion efficiency 29,30 . Furthermore, DEFCs also operate without any noise.…”

Synthesis of Carbon-Supported PdIrNi Catalysts and Their Performance towards Ethanol Electrooxidation

“…Pt can be replaced by Pd which is very similar to Pt but more abundant in the Earth. Another advantage is the higher Pd tolerance towards catalyst poisons (e.g., CO x species) while Pt is highly susceptible to poisoning and its functional life ends quickly [13,[25][26][27]. Furthermore, adding a second metal as a cocatalyst is technoeconomically beneficial because it decreases the noble metal consumption and can modify the electronic and geometric properties of Pd nanoparticles [28][29][30].…”