Electro-oxidation of formic acid, methanol, and ethanol on electrodeposited pd-polyaniline nanofiber films in acidic and alkaline medium

Abstract

We present here a simple and direct electrochemical method of depositing a porous Palladium−Polyaniline (Pd-PANI) nanofiber film on conducting surfaces. The one step method consists of the in situ polymerization of aniline in the solution and simultaneous formation of a film of Pd-PANI. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show a dendritic structure and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and XPS confirm the presence of Pd in the nanofiber film. The cyclic voltammetric studies in acid media show a large electroactive surface area and high hydrogen absorption capacity of the porous film. The excellent electrocatalytic activity of Pd-PANI nanofiber film has been confirmed from the electro-oxidation reaction of formic acid in acidic media and alcohols (ethanol and methanol) in alkaline medium, making it a potential candidate for direct fuel cells (DFCs) in both acidic and alkaline media.