Thin film of palladium nanodendrites supported on graphite electrode for catalyzing the oxidation of small organic molecules

Abstract

The present study describes the outcome of the electrocatalysis of small organic molecules methanol, ethanol and formic acid on palladium nanodendritic film on graphite electrode. Higher oxidation currents than commercial Pd/C catalyst and low activation energies are obtained for electro-oxidation of organic molecules, indicating that the nanodendrites are highly effective for the electro-oxidation of these molecules. The nanocomposite film is effective in alkaline medium for alcohols oxidation, and in acidic media for formic acid oxidation.