Pd Nanoparticles Supported on TiO2 Nanotubes for Ethanol Oxidation in Alkaline Media

Pd electrocatalysts supported on TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) were prepared and used for the oxidation of ethanol in alkaline media. The morphology and structure of the TNTs and the Pd-TNTs/Ti catalyst were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The FESEM results showed that the nanotube structure could be obtained after Ti anodized for 40 min at 20 V under 25 degrees C, and the nanotube length increased with anodizing time. TNTs/Ti40, TNTs/Ti50 and TNTs/Ti90 templates were prepared with Ti anodized for 40 min, 50 min and 90 min respectively. The composite catalysts activities were measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV), impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. The results indicated that the Pd-TNTs/Ti50 catalyst had higher catalytic activity for ethanol oxidation compared with Pd-TNTs/Ti40 and Pd-TNTs/Ti90 catalysts.