New Pd/Co–Ni electrocatalysts for formic acid electrooxidation and their fabrication from inorganic precursor [Co0.14Ni1.86(dipic)2(phen)2(H2O)2]·4H2O

Abstract

Novel Pd/Co–Ni oxide composites were developed as electrocatalysts for formic acid electro-oxidation as a process that can be utilised in fuel cells and electrochemical sensors. For achieving this goal, the new complex [Co_0.14Ni_1.86(dipic)₂(phen)₂(H₂O)₂]·4H₂O (1) was synthesised and used as an inorganic precursor for producing a Co–Ni mixed metal promoter. In the following, palladium nanoparticles were anchored on Co–Ni mixed metal oxides via a reaction of chemical reduction with four different loadings. The electrocatalytic activity of the electrocatalysts was investigated for HCOOH electro-oxidation by electrochemical studies. Compared with single component electrocatalysts, the new electrocatalysts exhibited higher current, improved absorption/desorption of hydrogen, and a higher loading for metal oxides.