Pd-Supported CoZn-MOF as a Potential Electrocatalyst for Electro Oxidation of Butanol in Alkaline Media

Abstract

In direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs), long-chain alcohols like butanol have gained attention over the past decade as a substitute for gasoline due to their higher energy density and reduced membrane crossover compared to short-chain alcohols such as methanol and ethanol. Although limited research has been explored on the oxidation of butanol compared to that of methanol and ethanol. In the present work, a bimetallic organic framework (CoZn-MOF) was employed to disperse Pd nanoparticles and was utilized for the first time for butanol oxidation in basic media. The CoZn-MOF was synthesized through the coprecipitation method, followed by electrodeposition of Pd nanoparticles onto the nanocomposite. The as-prepared catalyst material was characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, and FT-IR analysis. Electrochemical analysis, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometric studies, revealed that the Pd@CoZn-MOF/GCE showed outstanding electrocatalytic performance, higher current density (0.01895 A cm⁻²), excellent stability (350 cycles) and durability (3000 s), and strong resistance to catalytic poisoning from carbonaceous species during butanol electro-oxidation, which is due to the effective synergy between CoZn-MOF and Pd nanoparticles, which enhances electron transfer. The findings proved that the newly developed electro-catalyst is a promising alternative to traditional Pt-based catalysts in DACs.