Well-Ordered 3D Printed Cu/Pd-Decorated Catalysts for the Methanol Electrooxidation in Alkaline Solutions

Abstract

In this article, a method for the synthesis of catalysts for methanol electrooxidation based on additive manufacturing and electroless metal deposition is presented. The research work was divided into two parts. Firstly, coatings were obtained on a flat substrate made of light-hardening resin dedicated to 3D printing. Copper was deposited by catalytic metallization. Then, the deposited Cu coatings were modified by palladium through a galvanic displacement process. The catalytic properties of the obtained coatings were analyzed in a solution of 0.1 M NaOH and 1 M methanol. The influence of the deposition time of copper and palladium on the catalytic properties of the coatings was investigated. Based on these results, the optimal parameters for the deposition were determined. In the second part of the research work, 3D prints with a large specific surface were metallized. The elements were covered with a copper layer and modified by palladium, then chronoamperometric curves were determined. The application of the proposed method could allow for the production of elements with good catalytic properties, complex geometry with a large specific surface area, small volume and low weight.

Electrochemistry at Krakowian research institutions

“…The synthesis of Zn-Ni [33], Zn-Mg [34], and Zn-Ni-Mg [35] from gluconate baths has been also investigated. Besides that, the metallization of 3D prints [36][37][38] and electrochemical synthesis of 1D nanostructures by the one-step method [39][40][41][42] have been studied. The superhydrophobic properties of coatings are also in interest of scientists [43].…”

An Electrochemical Investigation of Methanol Oxidation on Thin Films of Nickel Oxide and Its Composites with Zirconium and Yttrium Oxides

“…The main contributors to the high cost of DMFC are expansive noble-metal-based electro-catalysts. Platinum-based electrocatalysts are still a popular class of catalyst that has been widely used in fuel cell applications [19][20][21][22][23]. The major drawbacks associated with these catalysts, high cost, CO-poisoning, and high activation over-potential make it necessary to investigate novel electrocatalysts with characteristic features like high catalytic activity, CO-poisoning resistivity, less cost, high stability, and durability [24,25].…”