Development of Au-Pd catalysts supported on carbon for a direct borohydride fuel cell

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to diminish the hydrolysis of borohydride with good performances of a direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC). Pd/C is considered as a proper anode catalyst for the DBFC. Au/C has lower activity for a hydrolysis reaction than other catalysts such as nickel, palladium, platinum, etc. Au-Pd catalysts supported on carbon (Au-Pd/C) were prepared with different weight ratios, 1:3, 2:2 and 3:1. The performances of three different catalysts increased with the amount of Pd, while the hydrogen evolution rates were similar. Consequently, the catalysts prepared with a Au/Pd weight ratio of 1:3 showed the best performance.