Work

Synthesis of carbon-supported multimetallic palladium-based electrocatalysts for direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The commercialization of direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) is hindered by platinum dependency, catalyst degradation, and high costs. This work addresses these challenges by developing carbon-supported trimetallic PdAuM/C (M = Rh, Ir, Ag) electrocatalysts for the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). Through a controlled synthesis protocol, PdAuM/C nanoparticles (3.1–6.7 nm) with alloyed structures were characterized by XRD, TEM, EDX, and XPS. Electrochemical analyses (CV, CA, EIS) in alkaline media revealed unprecedented EOR activity: PdAuRh/C achieved a peak current density of 10,500 mA·mg⁻¹ Pd and onset potential of − 680 mV vs. NHE—5.8× higher current and 195 mV lower overpotential than monometallic Pd/C (1,800 mA·mg⁻¹ Pd , − 485 mV). PdAuIr/C and PdAuAg/C also outperformed Pd/C, though PdAuAg exhibited a typical dual oxidation peaks. The synergistic electronic effects in PdAuRh/C minimized CO poisoning and maximized active sites, positioning it as a sustainable, high-performance alternative to Pt-based catalysts for DEFCs.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-35821-x

Authors: Ahmed ElSheikh, Hesham M. Alsoghier, Hamouda M. Mousa, Chunyu Zhu, James McGregor

Institutions: University of Sheffield, China University of Mining and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690