Membrane-Less Ethanol Electrooxidation over Pd-M (M: Sn, Mo and Re) Bimetallic Catalysts

The effect of the addition three oxophilic co-metals (Sn, Mo and Re) on electrochemical performance Pd in ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) was investigated by performing half-cell membrane-less electrolysis cell experiments. While additions Sn Re were found to improve significantly EOR Pd, produced no significant promotional effect. When added amounts (50:50 ratio), a 3–4 fold increase mass-normalized peak current as compared monometallic Pd/C material. Both surface area onset potential also improved upon Re, although this more evident for Sn. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements revealed higher ability accommodating OH- species which could explain these results. Additional tests carried out system. Pd50Re50/C Pd50Sn50/C both showed activity than Chronopotentiometric at constant test stability catalysts absence membrane. stable Pd50Re50/C, rapid with time. Despite operating membrane, generated high-purity (e.g., 99.99%) hydrogen stream high intensities low voltages. These conditions lead energy consumption savings commercial water electrolyzers.