Bimetallic Pd-Mo nanoalloys supported on Vulcan XC-72R carbon as anode catalysts for direct alcohol fuel cell

Vulcan XC-72R carbon supported Pd and Pd-Mo alloys of different Pd:Mo atomic ratios were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis method. The bimetallic nanoalloys were characterized by powder X-ray diffractometry and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy to determine their crystal structures and elemental compositions. Alloy formation of the nanocatalysts was proven by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy line profiles using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The performance of as-prepared nanocatalysts was evaluated for the reactions of methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol and glycerol electrooxidation in alkaline media by cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry and chronoamperometric measurements. It was found that bimetallic Pd-Mo/VC catalysts have higher activity due to different electronic structure as compared to the monometallic palladium. Also, the Pd3Mo/VC catalyst showed excellent catalytic activity, high durability and stability which indeed propose it to be as a promising electrocatalyst for future direct alcohol fuel cells.