Improved methanol electro-oxidation reaction on PdRh-PVP/C electrodes

Here we report on the organometallic synthesis of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilized palladium-rhodium nanostructures that display high electrochemical properties when used as carbon-supported electrodes (PdxRh1-x-PVP/C) for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). These were synthesized by hydrogenation tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) (Pd2(dba)3) and tris(allyl) rhodium (Rh(?3-C3H5)3) complexes, in tetrahydrofuran (THF) under mild conditions (room temperature 3 bar H2) presence PVP stabilizer. The influence concentration (0.5, 1.0 2.0 M) well different scan rates (5–100 mV s?1) was evaluated to determine changes stability catalytic activity. approach use preparation PdRh electrode materials promoted formation highly dispersed nanostructures, led a remarkably enhanced electro-oxidation alkaline medium. This behavior can reasonably arise from synergistic effect between Pd Rh metals as, applied conditions, is expected enhance ability oxidize CO2 (oxophilic character) catalyst stability. From all materials, Pd8Rh2-PVP/C showed highest mass activity at (2.0 low rate (10 s?1). performance up 26 times higher than Pd-PVP/C interestingly an electroactivity superior previously reported catalysts.