Synthesis and characterization of CoAuPd catalysts used in formic acid fuel cell system by elecrodeposition technique

Herein, a stepwise electrodeposition technique was used to synthesize the Pd based nanoparticles on indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. First of all, Pd nanoparticles were electrodeposited on ITO via one step electrodeposition technique. Furthermore, Au was electrodeposited on Pd. Finally, Co was electrodeposited on Au and Pd electrodeposited ITO electrode via stepwise electrodeposition technique. Characterization of these electrodes was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electrode Microscopy (SEM) techniques. Considering the XRD pattern, well-defined ITO peaks, Pd, and Au fcc structure peaks are clearly observed for Pd based electrodes. On the other hand, Co has two main crystal structures such as face-centeredcubic (fcc) and hexagonal close-packed (hcp) phases. SEM images illustrates that spherical particles were obtained for these Pd based electrodes. Finally, formic acid electrooxidation activities of these electrodes were evaluated and enhanced electrooxidation activities were obtained. The presented method seems to be promising for fabricating electrodes for formic acid fuel cells.