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Screening of PdM and PtM catalysts in a multi-anode direct formic acid fuel cell

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Abstract

Direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFC) currently employ either Pt-based or Pd-based anode catalysts for oxidation of formic acid. However, improvements are needed in either the activity of Pt-based catalysts or the stability of Pd-based catalysts. In this study, a number of carbon-supported Pt-based and Pd-based catalysts, were prepared by co-depositing PdM (M = Bi, Mo, or V) on Vulcan® XC-72 carbon black, or depositing another metal (Pb or Sn) on a Pt/C catalyst. These catalysts were systematically evaluated and compared with commercial Pd/C, PtRu/C, and Pt/C catalysts in a multi-anode DFAFC. The PtPb/C and PtSn/C catalysts were found to show significantly higher activities than the commercial Pt/C catalyst, while the PdBi/C provided higher stability than the commercial Pd/C catalyst.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) through a Strategic Projects Grant in partnership with Tekion (Canada) Inc., and by Memorial University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, A1B 3X7, Canada

    Xingwen Yu & Peter G. Pickup

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  1. Xingwen Yu
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  2. Peter G. Pickup
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Correspondence to Peter G. Pickup.

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Yu, X., Pickup, P.G. Screening of PdM and PtM catalysts in a multi-anode direct formic acid fuel cell. J Appl Electrochem 41, 589–597 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-011-0267-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-011-0267-2

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