In this study, palladium nano-particles were electrodeposited galvanostatically
on carbon black powder (Vulcan XC-72R). The catalytic activity
for electro-oxidation of ethanol and methanol in alkaline media were
studied by cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry techniques.
The results indicated that the electro-oxidation of ethanol and methanol
strongly depends on adsorbed species on the electrocatalyst layer. Effects
of ethanol, methanol and KOH concentration on the electrocatalytic
properties of the synthesized electrocatalysts during electro-oxidation
reactions were evaluated by linear sweep voltammetry with various
scan rates. The overall rate equations for ethanol electro-oxidation and
methanol electro-oxidation on Palladium /Vulcan in alkaline media were
developed. It has been shown that the Pd-C particles with mass loading
of 0.11 mg cm–2 have superior catalytic activity. Finally, two overall rate
equations were developed for EOR and MOR.