Preparation of graphene and graphene supported Pd catalysts for formic acid electrooxidation

Two kinds of graphene GN-1 and GN-2 with significantly increased specific surface area were obtained from nano graphite by different methods. The morphology and pore size distribution of GN-1 and GN-2 also have great differences. Using these two kinds of graphene as supports, Pd catalysts were prepared and designed as Pd/GN-1 and Pd/GN-2. The electrochemical specific surface area of Pd/GN-1 and Pd/GN-2 catalysts are 34.66 and 71.25 m2/g. The catalytic activities of Pd/GN-1 and Pd/GN-2 during the formic acid electrooxidation reaction are greatly improved compared with the Pd catalyst supported by nano graphite. The peak current densities of formic acid oxidation on Pd/GN-1 and Pd/GN-2 are 66.0 and 95.8 mA/cm2. The Pd/GN-1 and Pd/GN-2 catalysts also have good stability for formic acid electrooxidation.