Porous 3D Inorganic Superstructure of Pd–Ir Aerogel as Advanced Support-Less Anode Electrocatalyst toward Ethanol Oxidation
Abdollatif Shafaei Douk, Hamideh Saravani
Abstract
) in a basic environment. The exceptional electrocatalytic activity and stability of the resultant aerogel are attributed to two crucial reasons: (1) unique structure of Pd-Ir aerogel and (2) synergistic effect of Ir element. Micro- and mesopore characteristics provide a large surface area, while macrospore characteristic guarantees accessibility to active sites. Furthermore, the self-supporting character of the Pd-Ir aerogel may hinder the degradation of durability observed in carbon-based electrocatalysts due to corrosion of carbonaceous support. Moreover, the Ir element as a co-metal in the structure of Pd-Ir aerogel acts as a very efficient promotor in the EOR and can change the electronic structure of Pd, which facilitates the electrooxidation of EtOH in alkaline media.