Tb promoted Pd/C catalysts for the electrooxidation of ethanol in alkaline media

Various Pd–Tb/C electrocatalysts with different Pd/Tb ratios were synthesized and tested for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media. The structure and morphology of the nanocatalysts were investigated using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The data showed that face-centered cubic structures were formed for all the Pd–Tb/C catalysts and a well dispersion of nanoparticles on carbon black was observed. The electrocatalytic properties of the catalysts for ethanol oxidation in alkaline solution were tested by cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry and chronoamperometry techniques. It was found that Pd–Tb/C catalysts have higher activity and durability for ethanol oxidation than Pd/C. This may be attributed to the promotion effect of Tb on OH− adsorption. The highest performance was observed for 10%Pd–2%Tb/C in terms of the highest activity, stability and lowest activation energy for ethanol oxidation.

► Tb as promoter for Pd/C toward the electrooxidation of ethanol in alkaline media.
► Pd–Tb/C catalysts have higher activity for ethanol oxidation than Pd/C.
► The effect of Tb content is examined.