Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity of Methanol and Ethanol Oxidation in Alkaline Medium at Bimetallic Nanoparticles Electrochemically Decorated Fullerene‐C₆₀ Nanocomposite Electrocatalyst: An Efficient Anode Material for Alcohol Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract

Direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) have been recently playing a pivotal role in electrochemical energy sources and portable electronics. Research in DAFCs has proceeded to engage major attention due to their high catalytic activity, long‐term stability, portability, and low cost. Herein, we present a facile surfactant‐free route to anchor bimetallic Pd−W nanoparticles supported fullerene‐C60 catalyst (Pd‐W@Fullerene‐C60) for high‐performance electrooxidation of alcohols (methanol & ethanol) for DAFCs applications. Structural, elemental composition, and morphological analysis of the proposed catalyst were carried out using UV‐Vis spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). Electrochemical properties such as electrochemical activity, electrochemical active surface area (ECSA), and long‐term stability of the Pd‐W@Fullerene‐C60 catalyst for ethanol and methanol oxidation in the alkaline medium were explored by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and chronoamperometry (CA). Results revealed that the proposed catalyst showed enlarged ECSA, tremendous electrocatalytic activity, high poison tolerance limit, good reproducibility, and enhanced long‐term stability as compared to the monometallic catalyst and commercially available catalyst (Pt/C) towards ethanol and methanol oxidation reaction. This enhanced potentiality of the Pd‐W@Fullerene‐C60 catalyst is due to the synergistic effect of W−Pd nanoparticles and excellent electron kinetic from fullerene support material. These findings strongly suggest the Pd‐W@Fullerene‐C60 catalyst as potential anode material for the alcohol oxidation reaction.

C60 and Derivatives Boost Electrocatalysis and Photocatalysis: Electron Buffers to Heterojunctions

“…Utilizing C 60 and derivative composites as electrode materials has shown promise in facilitating electrocatalytic reactions, addressing the slow kinetics associated with ORR. [ 128,141 ] Electrocatalysis heavily relies on precious metal catalysts, which face two major challenges: limited availability of resources and high costs. Therefore, there is a growing interest in combining C 60 and derivatives with various precursor catalytic materials to create cost‐effective catalysts with superior performance.…”

A comprehensive and critical review of the recent progress in electrocatalysts for the ethanol oxidation reaction

“…Long-term stability, high I f / I b ratio, high EASA, and low resistance were demonstrated by Pd–W@Fullerene-C60 as compared to Pd@Fullerene-C60 and W@Fullerene-C60.These excellent outcomes were due to (a) the excellent thermal/mechanical properties and extended pi-conjugated system between the carbon atoms, (b) the additional accessible electroactive surface area (EASA = 96.56 m 2 g −1 ) of fullerene-C60, (c) the uniform electrodeposition of bimetallic NPs for improved ethanol oxidation activity, (d) accelerated interfacial electron transfer between the solution and electrocatalyst interface by Pd–W@Fullerene-C60, and (e) the synergistic effect between the fullerene-C60 substrate and bimetallic nanoparticles. 133 …”

Recent Developments in Carbon-Based Nanocomposites for Fuel Cell Applications: A Review

“…On the other hand, Lopez et al [27] developed a novel type of N-doped carbon nanofiber by the electrospinning technique with an applied voltage of 15 kV, and it served as a remarkable catalyst for ORR application. Further, an effective electrodeposition approach was used to successfully construct a simple pathway for the fabrication of bimetallic supported fullerene-based (Pd-W@fullerene) composite with the applied potential ranges of 1.2 to 0.25 V. The constructed Pd-W@fullerene was shown to be a promising catalyst for energy applications [28]. In another report, a durable electrode was fabricated using mixed nanomaterials such as gold nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes incorporated on graphene nanoribbon (Au-NT-G) by HT treatment and the resulting composite played a significant role in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell technology [29].…”