Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance of Pt3Pd1 Alloys Supported on CeO2/C for Methanol Oxidation and Oxygen Reduction Reactions

Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) with noble metals based anode and cathode is a promising energy generator to portable power devices. However, the deterioration of catalyst performance suffered by CO poisoning, crossover of fuel from anode to cathode, and higher economical cost of such devices hinder their commercialization. Herein, all of the above issues have been neutralized and crossed the huge hump of faced challenges. Highly efficient, durable, and surfactant-free catalyst with ultralow Pt3Pd1 loadings supported on CeO2/C was synthesized. The ex-situ and in situ spectroelectrochemical techniques such as, CV, in situ FTIR, and online DEMS studies confirm the highly efficient activity of catalyst toward electro-oxidation of methanol. In addition, the critical and detailed analysis of RDE results prove the superiority of the present material for electro-reduction of oxygen along a cathode side. The as-synthesized catalyst has proven itself as a better substitute for commercial Pt/C catalyst, with enhanced and durable performance as anode and cathode material for DMFCs. The obtained remarkable performance of catalysts can be attributed to the accumulative effects of PtPd bimetallic NPs and the enhanced synergistic factors of CeO2 in a hybrid material.