Palladium nanoparticles supported on carbon black powder as an effective anodic catalyst for application in a direct glucose alkaline fuel cell

Abstract

Palladium nanoparticles supported on carbon black powder (Vulcan XC-72) nanocomposite (Pd/C) are synthesized as the catalyst for the anodic oxidation of glucose for use in a direct glucose alkaline fuel cell (DGAFC). Characterization of the catalyst is carried out using physical and electrochemical methods. It is observed that Palladium nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed onto the carbon black powder nanocomposite support. The catalytic properties of the catalyst for glucose electro-oxidation were studied using electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Cyclic voltammetry shows that this catalysts exhibit high electro catalytic activity for glucose oxidation. Pd/Vulcan XC-72 /glassy carbon electrode exhibits a well-defined catalytic oxidation peak current increasing linearly with an increase in the glucose concentration in rang of 10 mM to 60 mM. Chronoamperometry indicate that Pd/Vulcan XC-72 exhibits a steady state activity for glucose oxidation. Results show that the prepared Pd/Vulcan XC-72 as an effective anodic catalyst toward glucose electro-oxidation. Therefore this electrode is a good candidate for application in direct glucose alkaline fuel cells.