Comparison of CNF and XC-72 carbon supported palladium electrocatalysts for magnesium air fuel cell

Palladium catalysts supported on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and XC-72 carbon were developed by chemically reducing palladium chloride with ethylene glycol. The morphologies and crystal structure of the Pd/CNF catalyst and Pd/XC-72 catalyst were investigated by TEM and XRD, respectively. The electrocatalytical activity of the catalysts was examined via cyclic voltammetry testing techniques. The performance of the air electrodes was examined by linear polarization methods. Magnesium air fuel cells with Pd/CNF catalyst and Pd/XC-72 catalyst were fabricated and characterized. The results showed that the Pd/CNF catalyst had higher catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction and achieved better performance of the magnesium air fuel cell compared with the Pd/XC-72 catalyst.