Electro-oxidation of methanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol on Pt and Pd in alkaline medium

Pd is investigated as electrocatalyst for 1-propanol and 2-propanol oxidation and compared with the conventional catalyst of Pt in alkaline medium. The results show that Pd is a good electrocatalyst for 1-propanol and 2-propanol oxidation. The oxidation reaction of 1-propanol and 2-propanol shows a very low activity on Pt electrode, however the oxidation reaction of 1-propanol and 2-propanol shows a high activity on Pd electrode in alkaline medium. The current densities of 1-propanol and 2-propanol oxidation on Pd electrode are much higher at corresponding potentials than that of methanol oxidation and the onset potentials of 1-propanol and 2-propanol oxidation on Pd electrode are more negative compared with that of methanol oxidation. The 1-propanol and 2-propanol oxidation on Pd electrode shows a stable performance. The results show that Pd can take the place of Pt for 1-propanol and 2-propanol oxidation in alkaline medium. The present study shows a promising choice of Pd as effective electrocatalyst for 1-propanol and 2-propanol electro-oxidation in alkaline medium.