Energy conversion using Pd-based catalysts in direct ethanol fuel cell

Abstract

Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells DEFCs are considered one of the promising renewable energy sources, as they can produce electrical energy directly from the ethanol electrooxidation reaction. The efficiency of ethanol electrooxidation is a big question from research point of view. In this work, Pd is used as catalyst for the electrooxidation in alkaline media aiming to improve the catalytic activity for ethanol electrooxidation reaction, and consequently the DEFC performance, more than using a Pt-based catalyst. In this research, Pd was used as an alternative for Pt-based catalyst. Additionally, it can be recorded that the alloying of Pd with Sn will enhance the efficiency through increasing the surface area of the PdSn catalysts.