Polyvinyl alcohol-modified graphene oxide as a support for bimetallic Pt–Pd electrocatalysts to enhance the efficiency of formic acid oxidation

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the efficiency of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-modified graphene oxide (GO) as a supporting material for catalysts that oxidize formic acid. The active metal catalysts (e.g., Pt and Pd) were electrodeposited on PVA/GO surfaces. The morphologies of the prepared catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, while their chemical compositions were identified by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that compared with the other catalysts on GO, the prepared active PtPd alloy catalyst nanoparticles with 11.49–20.73 nm sizes were well dispersed on the PVA/GO surfaces. Electrochemical results indicate that the activities of the catalysts with PVA provided a higher current density than that of the catalysts without PVA. The bimetallic 3Pt3Pd/PVA/GO catalyst showed the greatest catalytic activity, stability, and CO oxidation when compared to those of other catalysts. The electronic, morphological, and structural properties promote the mass-charge transfer through the interaction. These results indicate that the PVA-modified GO provides a suitable site for active bimetallic catalyst surfaces, resulting in excellent formic acid oxidation and high CO elimination. The 3Pt3Pd/PVA/GO electrocatalyst is promising for enhancing formic acid oxidation.