Electrocatalytic performance on methanol oxidation reaction of highly stabilized Pt–Pd–Co ternary alloys by organometallic approach in alkaline medium

CoPtPd/C ternary alloys were prepared in situ as catalysts in different compositions by tuning the architecture and composition of cobalt in the reduction and displacement of ligands method to improve the efficiency of renewable energy, specifically in the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in alkaline medium. Chemical analyses shown that the theoretical and experimental compositions were well matched to obtain Pt₇₀Pd₁₀Co₂₀/C, Pd₇₀Pt₁₀Co₂₀/C, Co₇₀Pt₂₀Pd₁₀/C and Co₇₀Pt₁₀Pd₂₀/C ternary alloys, indicating that the method allowed precise control of components loading. Electrochemical investigations confirmed that the proposed method promoted a better synergistic effect between the components when Co is added in large amounts (70 wt%) regardless of the noble metal ratio, accelerating the oxidation of the adsorbed CO to CO₂, inhibiting the poisoning during MOR. The Co₇₀Pd₂₀Pt₁₀/C electrode materials displayed the highest electroactivity on MOR. This method is a promising alternative to reduce the amount of noble metal in catalysts used in direct alcohol fuel cells.