Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical properties of Pd,PdO/Ni@C nanoparticles as an anode in acidic direct methanol fuel cells

https://doi.org/10.1080/1536383X.2025.2595222

Nickel nanoparticles encapsulated in a continuous carbon shell (Ni@C) were synthesized in a helium arc-discharge plasma, purified by acid treatment, and subsequently decorated with palladium via the thermal decomposition of palladium acetylacetonate, as confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The reaction of methanol oxidation in an acidic medium was investigated using cyclic voltammetry on the composite (Pd,PdO/Ni@C) applied to a graphite electrode. It was demonstrated that the composite possesses electrochemical activity and can be used as an anode in acidic direct methanol fuel cells.