Activated Graphite Supported Tunable Au–Pd Bimetallic Nanoparticle Composite Electrode for Methanol Oxidation

Abstract

Methanol (CH3OH) is a favorable fuel for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) in compact devices. This work, we present a facile and simple approach to make divergent molar ratios uniform gold (Au) and palladium (Pd) nanoparticles (NPs) decoration on an activated graphite (AGR) electrode. The binary combination of these AGR/Au–Pd catalysts composition is controlled by modifying the molar ratio of the Au and Pd precursors. The AGR/Au–Pd composite was characterized by suitable microscopy and spectroscopy characterization technique. Electrochemical studies of the prepared material were also conducted by chronoamperometry (CA) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) methods. The AGR/Au–Pd composite nanoparticles were successfully prepared and decorated on an activated screen-printed carbon electrode (ASPCE) surface. The ASPCE/AGR/Au–Pd electrode has great potential and stability for DMFCs. The prepared modified electrode was compared by a Pt/C electrode, and its efficiency was better than those of previously reported modified electrodes. Additionally, the electrocatalytic reaction of methanol oxidation is a surface controlled process on the electrode surface.