Pd–TiO2/C as a methanol tolerant catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline medium

TiO2 on carbon was prepared by sol–gel method. Pd supported on TiO2–C comprising Pd and Ti in varying atomic ratios namely, 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 was prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction and Transmission electron microscopy techniques. The electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction in aqueous 0.1 M KOH solution containing methanol was characterized by rotating disk electrode. Catalytic activity of Pd–TiO2(3:1)/C for ORR and methanol tolerance was found to be superior in relation to Pd/C.

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► Pd–TiO2/C exhibits higher ORR activity in the presence of methanol than Pd/C due to SMSI effect.
► Reduced methanol adsorption leading to methanol tolerance on Pd–TiO2/C
► Pd–TiO2/C is superior to Pd–HTRuSe/C as cathode catalyst for ADMFCs.