The Preparation, Characterization, and Electrooxidation of Colloidal Palladium Modified Poly(Methacrylic Acid) Hydrogel as Formic Acid Fuel Cell Anode Catalyst

Abstract

At present, poly(methacrylic acid) (MA), poly(MA) hydrogel, and Pd-doped poly(MA) hydrogel modified electrodes are constructed on graphite pencil (G). The Pd precursor is coated on the poly(MA)/G electrodes surface using the electrodeposition method. These electrodes are characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray. Poly(MA) hydrogel and Pd-doped poly(MA) hydrogel are successfully prepared by the polymerization and further electrodeposition. Formic acid electro-oxidation (FAEO) activities are examined with cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Poly(MA)/G and Pd doped poly(MA) electrodes exhibit promising electro-catalytic activity with 60 mA current density, greater than literature values. Pd-doped poly(MA) hydrogel electrodes are promising electrodes for FAEO.