Synthesis of europium oxide-promoted Pd catalyst by an improved impregnation method as a high performance catalyst for the ethanol oxidation reaction
Abstract
Herein, we report, for the first time, the formation of Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs) on the surface of europium oxide nanoparticles (Eu2O3 NPs) by an improved impregnation method under ambient temperature. In this method, Eu2O3 NPs serve as both the support and promoter. The Zn/HCl system, as the reducing agent, was used for producing Pd/Eu2O3 as a highly active electrocatalyst for ethanol electrooxidation. The as-prepared catalyst (Pd/Eu2O3), which was used as an anode, exhibited an outstanding electrocatalytic performance and superior stability in comparison with the commercial Pd/C catalyst.