Development of Au−Pd catalysts supported on carbon for a direct borohydride fuel cell

The purpose of this study is to diminish the hydrolysis of borohydride with good performances of a direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC). Pd/C is considered as a proper anode catalyst for the DBFC. Au/C has lower activity for a hydrolysis reaction than other catalysts such as nickel, palladium, platinum, etc. Au−Pd catalysts supported on carbon (Au−Pd/C) were prepared with different weight ratios, 1∶3, 2∶2 and 3∶1. The performances of three different catalysts increased with the amount of Pd, while the hydrogen evolution rates were similar. Consequently, the catalysts prepared with a Au/Pd weight ratio of 1∶3 showed the best performance.