Pd Supported on Titanium Nitride for Efficient Ethanol Oxidation

Abstract

The excellent metal−support interaction between palladium (Pd) and titanium nitride (TiN) is exploited in designing an efficient anode material, Pd-TiN, that could be useful for direct ethanol fuel cell in alkaline media. The physicochemical and electrochemical characterization of the Pd-TiN/electrolyte interface reveals an efficient oxidation of ethanol coupled with excellent stability of the catalyst under electrochemical conditions. Characterization of the interface using in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (in situ FTIR) shows the production of CO2 at low overvoltages revealing an efficient cleaving of the C−C bond. The performance comparison of Pd supported on TiN (Pd-TiN) with that supported on carbon (Pd-C) clearly demonstrates the advantages of TiN support over carbon. A positive chemical shift of Pd (3d) binding energy confirms the existence of metal−support interaction between Pd and TiN, which in turn helps weaken the Pd−CO synergetic bonding interaction. The remarkable ability of TiN to accumulate −OH species on its surface coupled with the strong adhesion of Pd makes TiN an active support material for electrocatalysts.

Recent Development of Pd-Based Electrocatalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

“…It possesses metal-like electronic conductivity with a very reproducible surface for electron transfer. Thotiyl et al [145] studied the excellent metal-support interaction between Pd and TiN and found the efficient ethanol oxidation coupled with excellent stability of the Pd-TiN catalyst.…”

Electronic structure modification of platinum on titanium nitride resulting in enhanced catalytic activity and durability for oxygen reduction and formic acid oxidation

“…A bifunctional effect is known to enhance the activity in the electrocatalytic oxidation of small organic molecules [49]. TiN can offer Ti-OH at the surface by dissociating H 2 O [33,50,51]. Alternatively, as shown by the DFT calculations, the oxygen species can preferentially bind to Ti atoms that are adjacent to the Pt atoms.…”

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes supported palladium–phosphorus nanoparticles for ethanol electrooxidation in alkaline solution

“…For example, the complete oxidation of ethanol to CO 2 involves 12 electrons transfer and the scission of a CeC bond, which demands high activation energy to be overcome. Meanwhile, some intermediates (mainly CO and eCHO) produced during the oxidation reaction poison the anode catalyst and in turn reduce the catalytic efficiency [2]. Thus, the activity and stability of Pd catalyst are still in need of improvement.…”