Development of Pd and Nb electrocatalysts for application in fuel cells and degradation of organic pollutants

Abstract

This project will address the synthesis of palladium (Pd) nanostructured electrocatalysts and/or Niobium (Nb) supported on Printex 6L and/or Vulcan XC72 carbon applied to electro-oxidation of glycerol in basic media for application to fuel cells (CaC), and still, applying them in the hydrogenation of hydrogen peroxide by Reduction Reaction Oxygen (RRO), for later application in oxidative electrochemical processes(PEOAs), aiming at the degradation of organic pollutants. The electrocatalysts will be synthesized by the method of Chemical Reduction via Sodium Borohydride (NaBH 4). For physical characterization, the following analyzes will be carried out: Electron Microscopy Scanning System (SEM); X-ray diffraction (XRD); Energy Spectroscopy Dispersive (EDS); Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, the electrochemical characterization and electrocatalytic activity study for electro-oxidationglycerol by means of Cyclic Voltammetries (VC) and Chronoamperometry (CA), and for the of hydrogen peroxide by the rotary disc-ring electrode technique (RRDE) and Gas Diffusion Electrodes (EDGs). Will be quantified the generation of hydrogen peroxide by UV-Vis Absorption Spectrophotometry. Finally, these electrocatalysts will be applied to alkaline fuel cells and PEOAs aiming at the degradation of organic pollutants.