Carbonized porous anodic alumina as electrocatalyst support for alcohol oxidation

• DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2006.08.014
• Publication Date: 2006-09-07T14:43:24Z
• Authors: Zhenyou Wang; Fengping Hu; Pei Kang Shen
• Keywords: Alcohol Oxidation

Abstract A novel three-dimensionally structured electrode has been fabricated by supporting Pd on carbonized and pulverized porous anodic alumina (PAA) for alcohol oxidation in alkaline media. A four-step process is used to prepare the Pd on carbonized and pulverized PAA (Pd/CPAA) electrocatalysts. The properties of the Pd/CPAA electrocatalytic material are characterized by SEM and electrochemical techniques. The results show that the activities of alcohol oxidation on Pd/CPAA electrocatalyst are higher than that on Pd/C electrocatalyst. The experiments also demonstrate that the beneficial effect of CPAA is more than an increased surface area of the supporting materials. Such materials could be potentially used as an electrocatalyst support in liquid fuel cells, sensors and metal–air batteries.