Understanding small-molecule electro-oxidation on palladium based compounds – a feature on experimental and theoretical approaches

Abstract

Recent advances in the field of small organic molecule oxidation (SOMO) demand a detailed and strategic approach towards designing efficient catalysts. This frontier article briefly summarizes the mechanism and understanding of electrochemical oxidation of small molecules such as ethanol, methanol and formic acid on Pd based compounds. This article contributes significantly to the logical understanding and correlation of experimental and theoretical research prevalent in this area. Using this understanding, one can identify essential characteristics requisite for an efficient electrocatalyst, careful evaluation of which can suggest new materials for use as electrocatalysts. This article is not comprehensive, and will mainly focus on the results obtained in our research group and similar studies performed in other groups.