Fundamental insight into enhanced activity of Pd/CeO2 thin films in hydrogen oxidation reaction in alkaline media
Journal article, 2023

Palladium supported on ceria (Pd/CeO2) has recently raised strong interest as an alternative catalyst to platinum on the anode electrode in anion exchange membrane fuel cells. Herein, we provide new insight into the enhanced activity of Pd/CeO2 in hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in alkaline media. Using well-defined model thin films, we show that Pd/CeO2 thin films lead to enhanced activity in HOR compared to pure Pd thin films. In situ characterization using electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance provide in-depth understanding of the role of CeO2. CeO2 leads to fundamental differences in adsorption and absorption of key reaction intermediates during HOR. In combination with characterization and theoretical calculations, Pd atoms embedded in CeO2 are shown to be present on the prepared thin films and active for hydrogen activation but are not able to bind CO during CO-stripping characterization. Finally, an estimation of the source of hydroxyl intermediates provided by CeO2 - which could be directly participating in the reaction - is presented herein. Fundamental understanding of the Pd-CeO2 interface in HOR opens new ways to reduce the amount of noble metals in alkaline fuel cells.

Author

Mathilde Luneau

Competence Centre for Catalysis (KCK)

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Linnéa Strandberg

Chalmers, Physics, Chemical Physics

Gerard Montserrat Siso

Chalmers, Physics, Chemical Physics

Victor Shokhen

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Roopathy Mohan

Chalmers, Physics, Chemical Physics

Henrik Grönbeck

Chalmers, Physics, Chemical Physics

Björn Wickman

Chalmers, Physics, Chemical Physics

Journal of Materials Chemistry A

20507488 (ISSN) 20507496 (eISSN)

Vol. 11 30 16370-16382

New fuel cell catalyst materials with nanostructured model electrodes

Swedish Research Council (VR) (2018-03927), 2019-01-01 -- 2022-12-31.

Subject Categories

Inorganic Chemistry

DOI

10.1039/d3ta01879b

More information

Latest update

3/7/2024 9