Potential Electrocatalysts for Fuel Cells

Electrooxidation of several fuel compounds was studied using metallic nanoparticles such as Au, Pd, Pt, AuPd and AuPt synthesized by electrodeposition. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data showed that monometallic (Au, Pd and Pt) and alloys of bimetallic nanoparticles of AuPd and AuPt were formed. The catalytic performance of the prepared electrodes was investigated in acidic, alkaline and neutral media (100 mM phosphate buffer, pH 7) by cyclic voltammetry and the results were compared. The performance of the electrocatalysts towards electrooxidation of most common fuels that use in fuel cell were studied.