Pd Nanoparticles on Carbon Nitride–Graphene for the Selective Electro-Oxidation of Glycerol in Alkaline Solution

Abstract

A hybrid support consisting of carbon nitride and graphene (CNx/G) is prepared by annealing polypyrrole/GO at 800 °C. Pd nanoparticles (NPs) are then loaded onto the support by a microwave–polyol method. Pd-CNx/G is used as a catalyst for glycerol electro-oxidation in 0.5 M NaOH aqueous solution. Electrochemical characterization and product analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography show that, in comparison to Pd NPs supported on carbon black, Pd NPs on a support containing nitrogen atoms has the ability to promote selectivity toward C3 products as well as increase activity. The main factors influencing the selectivity and activity are also discussed.