Clean synthesis of biocarbon-supported Ni@Pd core–shell particles via hydrothermal method for direct ethanol fuel cell anode application

Abstract

Direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) are devices for clean and sustainable energy production, where the generation of electrical energy occurs as a result of the anodic ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). One of the main challenges of these devices is the development of cost-efective and sustainable anodic catalysts, minimizing the use of noble metals such as Pd. In this sense, biomass-derived carbon-supported core–shell nanoparticles of PdNi-based electrocatalyst are of great interest for EOR and its application in DEFCs. The purpose of this work was to demonstrate the possibility of synthesizing a core–shell Ni@Pd electrocatalysts via hydrothermal method, in a fast, simple and environmental friendly way. A biomass hydrothermal liquefaction method using nickel and palladium salts was used to synthesize a biocarbon-supported nickel/palladium core–shell electrocatalyst (Ni@Pd/aHC). The electrocatalyst was morphological and chemical characterized in order to confrm the core–shell particle formation. The electrochemical characterization showed that the Ni@Pd/aHC sample has good electrocatalytic behaviour and good stability over time. The EOR mechanism on the sample and their infuence in the faradaic efciency of a cell were also studied by spectroelectrochemical analysis.