Optimization of pH and Sodium formate concentration for formate oxidation reaction

Given the problems associated with fossil fuels, such as greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, as well as the continued increase in global warming, humans have been seeking alternative resources of fuel. Among the available renewable sources, fuel cells have proven to be cost-effective and socially acceptable. A fuel cell is a device that directly converts the chemical energy of reactions into electrical energy. The unique features of direct formate fuel cells, such as their performance in alkaline environments, ease of fuel transport, and high power density compared to other types of fuel cells with liquid fuel, have received a lot of attention in recent years.(1) Various catalysts can be used in these fuel cells, but optimization of the use of KOH and NaHCOO is necessary.(2) Therefore, some necessary tests have been conducted. The catalyst ink consists of 5 mg of 10 wt% Pd/C, along with 30% wt% of Nafion, which includes 0.0428 mL of a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol in a ratio of 1:9 as solvent. The ink is mixed well and dispersed onto a glassy carbon electrode using a high-precision syringe. The prepared electrode is then placed in an oven at 80℃ for 60 min. Afterward, a three-electrode system is performed using a platinum plate counter electrode and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode.