Efficient oxygen reduction activity on layered palladium phosphosulphide and its application in alkaline fuel cells

Metal chalcogenides-based electrocatalysts have received considerable attention in recent years. Herein, a layer-type ternary chalcogenide compound, PdPS is proposed as an efficient oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalyst in alkaline medium. PdPS is semiconducting that crystallizes in orthorhombic symmetry. Improvement in conductivity of PdPS using reduced graphene oxide results in excellent electrocatalytic activity. The kinetics is followed by rotating (ring) disk electrode measurements and the composite electrocatalyst is found to be stable, efficient and methanol tolerant. The catalyst is further used as cathode in anion exchange membrane fuel cell and is shown to deliver power density comparable to Pt/C catalyst. In addition, this catalyst is also capable of water oxidation from alkaline solution with favorable electrochemical parameters. [Display omitted] •A ternary layered PdPS is employed as a catalyst for ORR in alkaline medium.•The ORR is found to occur through a direct four electron pathway.•PdPS has been used as cathode catalyst in anion exchange membrane fuel cell.•A peak power density of 340 mWcm−2 at 60 °C is observed for the AEMFC.•Performance in fuel cell is quite comparable to that of Pt/C under similar conditions.