Fabrication of nanocomposite networks using Pd nanoparticles/Polydiphenylamine anchored on the surface of reduced graphene oxide: An efficient anode electrocatalyst for oxidation of methanol

• Published in: Advanced industrial and engineering polymer research 2022-01, Vol.5 (1), p.18-25
• Main Authors: Madaswamy, Suba Lakshmi, Veni Keertheeswari, N., Alothman, Asma A., AL-Anazy, Murefah mana, Alqahtani, Khadraa N., Wabaidur, Saikh M., Dhanusuraman, Ragupathy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Direct methanol fuel cell; Electrocatalyst; In-situ chemical strategy; rGO/PDPA/Pd nanohybrid
• ISSN: 2542-5048; 2542-5048
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aiepr.2021.08.001

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are an essential aspect of electricity and fuel concerns. Herein, we report a new combination of Palladium nanoparticles anchored on polydiphenylamine with reduced graphene oxide network (rGO/PDPA/Pd) nanohybrid synthesized via an in-situ chemical strategy. The rGO/PDPA/Pd electrocatalyst shows excellent electrocatalytic activity, lower oxidation potential (−0.1 V), improved current density (2.85 mA/cm2), excellent cyclic stability (94%), and longevity (1200 s) towards methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in the alkaline medium, when compared to commercial Pd/C electrocatalyst. Significantly, the forward oxidation peak potential of rGO/PDPA/Pd electrocatalyst was shifted negatively by 110 mV as compared to commercial Pd/C electrocatalyst. These results suggest that rGO/PDPA/Pd electrocatalyst is considered as an effective anode catalyst for DMFCs. The nanohybrid of rGO/PDPA/Pd synthesized via an in-situ chemical strategy and it shows significant electrocatalytic activity towards MOR. [Display omitted] •The nanohybrid of rGO/PDPA/Pd was synthesized via an in-situ chemical strategy.•The physiochemical properties of nanohybrid materials were characterized by FESEM, EDX and FT-IR techniques.•The electrocatalyst of rGO/PDPA/Pd shows significant electrocatalytic activity towards MOR.