One-pot synthesis and electrocatalytic performance of Pd/MnOx/graphene nanocomposite for electrooxidation of ethylene glycol

In this study, low-loading palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) were prepared on a graphene oxide-manganese oxide (GR/MO) support using a one-pot, eco-friendly "green" process. The GR/MO-Pd nanocomposite was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Raman, scanning microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The elemental composition was determined using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and the electronic state of the materials was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The GR/MO-Pd nanocomposite exhibited high electrocatalytic activity towards ethylene glycol oxidation in alkaline medium. The GR/MO-Pd electrode demonstrated a forward anodic peak current density of 3.8 mA/cm², which was higher than both MO-Pd and GR-Pd electrodes. This excellent catalytic activity, low onset potential, better intermediate tolerance and good long-term stability of the GR/MO-Pd electrode could be attributed to the uniform dispersion of Pd NPs over the GR/MO support. This work outlines a new method for simple, fast and eco-friendly fabrication of a catalyst with high electrochemical performance and potential in alcohol fuel cell applications.