Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• A novel Pd/NHCN@NG catalyst with a 3D porous structure was synthesized via a simple and economical method. • The catalyst exhibits superior electrocatalytic activity and high steady-state current density for formic acid oxidation. • The Pd/NHCN@NG catalyst shows strong resistance to CO poisoning, outperforming conventional Pd/C, Pd/NG, and Pd/NHCN catalysts. • Optimizing the HCN/GO mass ratio to 1:1 yields an activity 4.21 times that of Pd/C, demonstrating the potential for fuel cell applications.
Abstract
Efficient electrocatalysts with a low cost, high activity and good durability play a crucial role in the use of direct formic acid fuel cells. Pd nanoparticles supported on N-doped hollow carbon nanospheres (NHCNs) embedded in an assembly of N-doped graphene (NG) with a three-dimensional (3D) porous structure by a simple and economical method were investigated as direct formic acid fuel cell catalysts. Because of the unique porous configuration of interconnected layers doped with nitrogen atoms, the Pd/NHCN@NG catalyst with Pd nanoparticles has a large catalytic active surface area, superior electrocatalytic activity, a high steady-state current density, and a strong resistance to CO poisoning, far surpassing those of conventional Pd/C, Pd/NG, and Pd/NHCN catalysts for formic acid electrooxidation. When the HCN/GO mass ratio was 1∶1, the Pd/NHCN@NG catalyst had an outstanding performance in the catalytic oxidation of formic acid, with an activity 4.21 times that of Pd/C. This work indicates a way to produce superior carbon-based support materials for electrocatalysts, which will be beneficial for the development of fuel cells.
1. Introduction
With the continuous development of urban modernization, the demand for energy is increasing. The excessive dependence on fossil fuels has caused many negative impacts on the human environment. Therefore, the development of clean energy and energy storage devices has become a new direction for contemporary scientific researchers[1–2]. Fuel cells are recognized as an environmentally friendly new energy utilization technology. Due to their versatility and flexibility[3–4], direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have received extensive research interest[5].
Compared to methanol, formic acid has the advantages of being non-toxic, easier to handle, higher energy density, lower permeability through the proton exchange membrane, and more potential for inclusion in regular gasoline infrastructure[6–11]. Commonly used formic acid fuel cell catalysts are palladium-based catalysts and platinum-based catalysts[12]. The palladium-based catalysts are highly active and low cost but slightly less stable[13]. Therefore, in order to realize the large-scale application of DFAFCs, it is necessary to develop palladium-based catalysts with high stability and high activity[6]. Usually, the performance of palladium-based catalysts can be improved by preparing alloy catalysts with different morphologies, adding metal compound promoters, doping non-metallic elements, and improving the dispersion of palladium on the support[14–16]. A support material has a crucial effect on the performance of a catalyst[17]. Excellent support materials are required to possess...
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FANG Yue, YANG Fu-kai, QU Wei-li, DENG Chao, WANG Zhen-bo (2025). N-doped hollow carbon nanospheres embedded in N-doped graphene loaded with palladium nanoparticles as an efficient electrocatalyst for formic acid oxidation. SinoTechIntel Verified Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1872-5805(NCM2024-39-02-10)
Research & Educational Purpose Only:The translations, structured abstracts, analytical annotations, and data reports provided by SinoTechIntel are intended exclusively for academic research, internal corporate R&D, and educational benchmarking. They do not constitute formal engineering, chemical safety, legal, or professional advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main innovation of this research?
The research introduces a novel Pd/NHCN@NG catalyst where palladium nanoparticles are supported on N-doped hollow carbon nanospheres embedded in N-doped graphene, forming a three-dimensional porous structure. This unique configuration enhances catalytic activity, stability, and CO tolerance for formic acid oxidation.
How does the Pd/NHCN@NG catalyst compare to conventional Pd/C?
The Pd/NHCN@NG catalyst exhibits significantly higher electrocatalytic activity, with an activity 4.21 times that of Pd/C when the HCN/GO mass ratio is 1:1. It also shows superior steady-state current density and stronger resistance to CO poisoning.
What is the significance of nitrogen doping in the catalyst support?
Nitrogen doping in the carbon support enhances the dispersion of palladium nanoparticles, increases the catalytic active surface area, and improves electron transfer, contributing to the superior electrocatalytic performance.
What are the potential applications of this catalyst?
The Pd/NHCN@NG catalyst is designed for direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs), offering a low-cost, high-activity, and durable alternative to conventional catalysts, which could facilitate the large-scale commercialization of DFAFCs.
What is the optimal mass ratio of HCN to GO for the catalyst?
The optimal mass ratio of HCN to GO is 1:1, which yields the best catalytic performance for formic acid oxidation, as demonstrated in the study.
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