Synthesis of europium oxide-promoted Pd catalyst by an improved impregnation method as a high performance catalyst for the ethanol oxidation reaction

Abstract

Herein, we report, for the first time, the formation of Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs) on the surface of europium oxide nanoparticles (Eu₂O₃ NPs) by an improved impregnation method under ambient temperature. In this method, Eu₂O₃ NPs serve as both the support and promoter. The Zn/HCl system, as the reducing agent, was used for producing Pd/Eu₂O₃ as a highly active electrocatalyst for ethanol electrooxidation. The as-prepared catalyst (Pd/Eu₂O₃), which was used as an anode, exhibited an outstanding electrocatalytic performance and superior stability in comparison with the commercial Pd/C catalyst.