Pd_xNi_y/TiO₂ Electrocatalysts for Converting Methane to Methanol in An Electrolytic Polymeric Reactor—Fuel Cell Type (PER-FC)

Abstract

PdxNiy/TiO2 bimetallic electrocatalysts were used in fuel cell polymeric electrolyte reactors (PER-FC) to convert methane into methanol through the partial oxidation of methane promoted by the activation of water at room temperature. X-ray diffraction measurements showed the presence of Pd and Ni phases and TiO2 anatase phase. TEM images revealed mean particle sizes larger than those reported for PdNi materials supported, indicating that TiO2 promotes particle aggregation on its surface. Information on the surface structure of electrocatalysts obtained by Raman spectra indicated the presence or formation of NiO. The PER-FC tests showed the highest power density for the electrocatalyst with the lowest amount of nickel Pd80Ni20/TiO2 (0.58 mW cm−2). The quantification of methanol through the eluents collected from the reactor showed higher concentrations of methanol produced, revealing that the use of TiO2 as a support also increased the reaction rate.

Keywords

• methane to methanol
• electrocatalysts
• polymer electrolyte reactor
• fuel cell reactor