Different proportions of oxide-rich PdCu/C nanoparticle catalysts were prepared by the NaBH4 reduction method, and their compositions were tuned by the molar ratios of the metal precursors. Among them, oxide-rich Pd0.9Cu0.1/C (Pd:Cu = 9:1, metal atomic ratio) exhibits the highest electrocatalytic activity for ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) in alkaline media. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (...

Direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) offer a high degree of design flexibility, ranging from single cell to massive multi-cell that can be used in various applications, including portable devices, transportation, and stationary applications. Unfortunately, the most significant barrier commercialization DEFCs is getting low-cost permeability, conductivity performance, extended durability polymer el...

In this work we evaluated the potentiality of a poly(imide) (PI)/organically-modified montmorillonite (O-MMT) nanocomposite membrane for the use in alkaline fuel cells. Both X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy revealed a good dispersion of O-MMT into the PI matrix and preservation of the O-MMT layered structure. When compared to the pure PI, the addition of O-MMT improved thermal...

Here, metal nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction of the corresponding metal salts in the presence of chitosan polymer. Binary and ternary metallic-chitosan Pt-Fe-CH, Pt-Co-CH and Pt-Fe-Co-CH nanocomposites were prepared. Transmission electron microscopy images and UV–Vis spectra of the nanocomposites confirmed the presence of the metal nanoparticles. The electrocatalytic activit...

Fuel cells are a promising technology for energy production, but their commercialization is hindered mainly due to high costs. Direct alkaline ethanol fuel (DAFC) receiving increasing attention as they can utilize cheaper, non-precious metal catalysts. A vital component of DAFC the anion exchange membrane (AEM). Currently, commercially available AEMs don’t possess satisfactory properties. This ...

The electrochemical oxidation behaviors of NaBH4 on Zn, Zn–MH, and MH (metal-hydride) electrodes were investigated, and an intrinsic direct orohydride fuel cell (DBFC)/battery hybrid power source using MH (or Zn–MH) as the anode and MnO2 as the cathode was tested. Borohydride annot be effectively oxidized on Zn electrodes at the Zn oxidation potential because of the poor electrocatalytic abilit...