Sulfonation of ordered mesoporous carbon supported Pd catalysts for formic acid electrooxidation

A novel supporting material containing benzenesulfonic acid (BSA) groups and ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) was first prepared by in situ radical polymerization of 4-styrenesulfonate and isoamyl nitrite under ambient conditions. Then, Pd nanoparticles were deposited on as-produced OMCs (f-OMCs) by the NaBH4NaBH4 reduction method. The structure and nature of the resulting composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption. The results show that BSA groups are created and the texture and surface chemistry are altered, whereas the ordered porous structure is maintained. The electrocatalytic properties of the Pd/f-OMCs catalysts for formic acid oxidation (HCOOH) have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry methods, and excellent electrocatalytic activity can be observed.

A novel supporting material containing benzenesulfonic acid groups and ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) was first prepared, which was beneficial for promoting the catalytic activity of Pd/f-OMCs for formic acid oxidation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide