Highly efficient hydrogen peroxide decomposition usingplatinum/palladium alloy nanoparticles anchored onsurface-functionalized carbon nanotubes

Abstract

This study reports the development of a novel hybrid catalyst comprising platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd) nanoparticles encapsulated in multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) functionalized with Poly (citric acid) (PCA) and supported on an aluminosilicate substrate. The MWCNTs were covalently grafted with PCA to enhance their catalytic efficiency in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decomposition. Comprehensive characterization using FESEM, TEM, BET surface area analysis, XRD, XPS, H2-TPR, and reactor decomposition tests revealed superior catalytic performance compared to carboxylated MWCNT counterparts. The MWCNT-g-PCA-Pt/Pd, MWCNT-g-PCA-Pt, and MWCNT-g-PCA-Pd nanocatalysts demonstrated significant improvements in H2O2 decomposition efficiency of 100%, 96%, and 89%, respectively. Notably, the PCA-grafted Pt/Pd hybrid alloy nanocatalysts exhibited a 30% increase in specific surface area and a 100% increase in turnover frequency (TOF). These enhancements are attributed to the porous structure of MWCNT-graft-PCA and the optimal distribution of the active catalytic phase on the substrate. The results suggest that this novel catalyst design holds significant promise for applications requiring efficient H2O2 decomposition.

Research Highlights

• A novel catalyst containing Pt/Pd hybrid nanoparticles encapsulated in multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-grafted Polycitric acid (PCA) supported by aluminosilicate was fabricated.
• Pt/Pd hybrid nanoparticles encapsulated in multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-grafted Polycitric acid (PCA) supported by aluminosilicate was used for H₂O₂ decomposition reaction.
• The corresponding material with hyperbranched polymer structure as anchoring sites of active phase showed an interconnected porous morphology on the support surface and greatly improved the H₂O₂ decomposition rate and its catalytic durability.
• The highest catalytic activity (TOF equal to 830 min^-1) was reported for MWCNT-g-PCA-Pt/Pd@ aluminosilicate, which is a significant improvement in comparison with similar metallic catalyst types.
• To the best of our knowledge, this amount of catalytical activity has not yet been reported for H₂O₂ decomposition process.