Construction of MOF-5 derived ZnO composites porous carbon supported Pd nanoparticles as highly stable catalyst for methanol and ethanol oxidation

The preparation of highly active and stable Pd-based catalysts for direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFC) is hampered by inefficient utilization of the active sites, susceptibility to CO poisoning, poor stability, and relatively slow reaction kinetics. Herein, the stability and anti-toxicity of the catalysts (Pd/ZnO/MDC) are tuned by loading Pd nanoparticles on the carbon-coated ZnO support, achieving efficient electrocatalysis for methanol and ethanol oxidation reaction (MOR and EOR). TEM result shows the ZnO is covered by the carbon layer formed outside of MOF-5 derived porous carbon, which can prevent it from dissolving under harsh conditions. The mass activities of the well-tuned catalyst Pd/ZnO/MDC(8 0 0) for MOR and EOR are 931.83 mA/mg and 1838.30 mA/mg, respectively. It is due to the improved electron transport efficiency between the Pd and ZnO, and the enhanced stability by carbon layer outside the ZnO. It is also found that the onset potential and the peak potential of Pd/ZnO/MDC(8 0 0) (−0.813 V, −0.228 V) in CO stripping experiment in MOR are more negative than Pd/MDC(8 0 0) (−0.261 V, −0.215 V). This result indicates that the existence of ZnO helps to provide surface hydroxyl group, which promotes the oxidation of the intermediates. This work indicates provides a feasible idea for DAFC catalyst design and construction.