Tungsten Carbide as Supports for Trimetallic AuPdPt Electrocatalysts for Methanol Oxidation

Abstract

Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFCs) is one of the best positioned toward widespread commercialization and the most viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries for portable applications. A major drawback of this technology is in large part related to the dependence on Pt-based electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) at the anode. To address this issue, low-Pt electrocatalysts are desired for keeping high performance of MOR. In this article, tungsten carbide (WC) enhanced trimetallic AuPdPt nanocomposite was prepared through the two-step method, i) intermittent microwave heating method (IMH) and ii) direct chemical reduction method. Trimetallic AuPdPt nanoparticles are dispersed well on the nanostructured WC, confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrocatalytic performance of the as-synthesized nanocomposite for MOR was tested using cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry in alkaline media. The results revealed that the WC enhanced trimetallic AuPdPt nanocomposites has better performance of MOR and stability than that of commercial Pt/C catalyst.

Heterogeneous Trimetallic Nanoparticles as Catalysts

“…With the ongoing environmental cost related to high usage of nonrenewable fossil fuels, the search for renewable, efficient, sustainable, and green energy sources is of high importance. Electrochemical oxidation of methanol, − ethanol, − and other simple oxygen-containing organic compounds to give carbon dioxide and water is a potential candidate to meet this demand.…”

A Critical Assessment on Functional Attributes and Degradation Mechanism of Membrane Electrode Assembly Components in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

“…Ruthenium as a potentially promising circumvent the CO poisoning [154]. In addition, transition metal carbides have benefits in terms of poison resistance; for instance, tungsten carbide (WC) has unique character traits such as high electrical conductivity, acid resistance, relatively low cost, and resistance to CO poisoning during methanol electro-oxidation [155]. The intermediates of methanol electro-oxidation impede alcohol oxidation and absorb CO molecules on the electrocatalyst surface which then leads to poisoning the electrocatalyst and hinders the electro-oxidation kinetics [153].…”

“…Ruthenium as a potentially promising circumvent the CO poisoning [154]. In addition, transition metal carbides have benefits in terms of poison resistance; for instance, tungsten carbide (WC) has unique character traits such as high electrical conductivity, acid resistance, relatively low cost, and resistance to CO poisoning during methanol electro-oxidation [155].…”

Density Functional Theory Investigation of the NiO@Graphene Composite as a Urea Oxidation Catalyst in the Alkaline Electrolyte

“…Although hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER, respectively) have been considered as revolutionary fuel cell designs that utilize water-splitting technology, they suffer from efficiency drawbacks and can be realized in limited pristine fresh water and with the use of noble metal catalysts. 3 − 5 Urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is a fundamental step in fulfilling the need for practical green energy because it does not need a high-voltage supply and also does not release both O 2 and H 2 gases simultaneously, encountered during water splitting. 6 , 7 Furthermore, urea is an abundant component of human and animal waste, which can result in the production of problematic ammonia under normal degradation or standard hydrolysis practices.…”

“…The continuous increase in the energy demand needs to pursuit a clean and renewable energy source because non-renewable energy sources such as traditional fossil fuels are limited and lead to global warming. , It is necessary to bridge the gap between academia and the industry with extensive research and their practical applications. Although hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER, respectively) have been considered as revolutionary fuel cell designs that utilize water-splitting technology, they suffer from efficiency drawbacks and can be realized in limited pristine fresh water and with the use of noble metal catalysts. − Urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is a fundamental step in fulfilling the need for practical green energy because it does not need a high-voltage supply and also does not release both O 2 and H 2 gases simultaneously, encountered during water splitting. , Furthermore, urea is an abundant component of human and animal waste, which can result in the production of problematic ammonia under normal degradation or standard hydrolysis practices . More importantly, the UOR process could provide an opportunity for waste disposal and green hydrogen production …”