Application of Binary PdSb/C as an Anode in a Polymeric Electrolyte Reactor-Fuel Cell Type for Electrosynthesis of Methanol from Methane

Abstract

PdSb catalyst prepared in different compositions were applied as an anode in a polymeric electrolyte reactor - fuel cell type (PER-FC) to convert methane into oxygenated products and energy in mild conditions. The PER-FC polarization curves for Pd₉₀Sb₁₀/C presented maximum current density about 0.92 mW cm^-2 about 15% higher than PdSb materials. However, the material Pd₅₀Sb₅₀/C showed higher reaction rate for methanol generation than the other materials occurring close to the OCV (r ~ 7 mol L^-1 h^-1). The qualitative analyses of PER-FC effluent by FT-IR identified products as methanol, carbonate and formate ions from the partial oxidation of methane for all materials.

Keywords:
Methane into methanol; polymeric electrolyte reactor - fuel cell type; chemical and energy co-generation