Surface-bound palladium nanoparticles are generated through a novel in situ approach using a cationic aminosilane monolayer template. Initial electrochemical investigations of these nanoparticles revealed a highly efficient catalytic activity for many long-chain and poly alcohols including methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol. Cyclic voltammetry is used to determine the efficiency of these nanoparticle catalysts as well as to gain a general understanding of the kinetics and mechanisms of the various alcohol oxidations. In addition, impedance measurements are used to gain a better understanding of the process at the electrode-electrolyte interface through the analysis of an equivalent circuit. Average particle size and morphology of these nanoparticle assemblies are determined using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Surface Zeta Potential measurements as well as Fe(CN)63-/4- and Ru(NH3)62+/3+ as redox probes for  impedance measurement are used to track the surface charge throughout the synthesis process. Results indicate a higher catalytic affinity for poly alcohols over long-chain type alcohols.

Electrocatalytic behavior of in situ generated surface-bound palladium nanoparticles towards wide range of alcohol oxidation reactions

248th National Meeting (2014)

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