Microwave-assisted synthesis and pulse electrodeposition of palladium nanocatalysts on carbon nanotube-based electrodes

The deposition of Pd nanoparticles prepared by microwave-assisted synthesis (MS) and pulse electrodeposition (PE) on networks of multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was investigated. The CNTs were grown directly on microscaled carbon paper using catalytic chemical vapor deposition. Both MS and PE methods enabled the quick formation of nanosized Pd particles over a CNT surface without any additional thermal reduction. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to examine the electrochemical behavior of the Pd catalysts. The Pd catalyst prepared with the MS method not only offers a higher active coverage for adsorption/desorption of hydrogen but also a more stable durability toward acid electrolytes when compared with that of the catalyst prepared with the PE method. The electrochemical surface area of the Pd catalyst was approximately 1.38 times than that of the Pt catalyst, which was also prepared with MS method. The equivalent series resistance for all the catalyst electrodes was kept between 2.07 and 2.25 Ω after potential cycling. Based on the results, the Pd catalyst is found to be a feasible alternative to the Pt catalyst because of its low cost, durability, and high catalytic activity.