Electrooxidation of ethylene glycol on carbon black-supported palladium-Ruthenium nanoparticle’s surface

• Carbon black supported Pd/Ru metal electrocatalysts were synthesized using the microwave method. • The catalysts were characterized for their surface area, crystallinity and morphology. • Among the five catalysts, Pd 2 Ru 1 exhibited the most oxidative performance. • Superior poisoning resistance and improved electrochemical stability were established. • Performance was linked to ECSA, morphology and particle distribution on support. The study involved the conversion of Palladium (Pd) and Ruthenium (Ru) metal-supported carbon black (CB) into a hybrid nano electrocatalyst using the microwave synthesis method. Among the four tested catalysts (Pd/CB, Pd 1 Ru 1 , Pd 1 Ru 2 , and Pd 2 Ru 1 ), Pd 2 Ru 1 electrocatalyst demonstrated the most effective performance for ethylene glycol electrooxidation (−0.51 V onset potential, 0.13 mA/cm2 current density and −0.21 V anodic peak potential). The physical and chemical properties of the hybrid electrocatalysts were characterized using optical and electrochemical techniques. Additionally, the electrochemical test indicated that Pd 2 Ru 1 exhibited superior poisoning resistance and improved electrochemical stability compared to other tested materials. Also, the catalyst generated close to 0.055 A hydrogen production current while the presence of ethanol enhanced the oxidative current. The performance of the cell at two different temperatures (22 and 56 °C) was also elucidated with up to 0.87 and 0.57 V voltage outputs respectively. The study revealed the potential of Pd 2 Ru 1 as an efficient anodic electrocatalyst in the ethylene glycol direct fuel cell assemblies.