What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to investigate activated carbon xerogel as a support for Pd-based electrocatalysts in ethanol oxidation.

April 1, 2026Open Access

Sustainable carbon xerogel as a support for Pd-based electrocatalysts in ethanol oxidation

Key Points

The aim is to investigate activated carbon xerogel as a support for Pd-based electrocatalysts in ethanol oxidation.
Synthesis of activated carbon xerogel from tannin–formaldehyde
Characterization of ACX properties including surface area and thermal stability
Electrochemical analysis using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry
ACX exhibited a high surface area of 1725 m2/g
The incorporation of Nb negatively impacted catalytic performance
ACX showed a high I D / I G ratio of 4.81, indicating its amorphous structure

Abstract

Abstract This study reports the synthesis and characterization of activated carbon xerogel (ACX) derived from a tannin–formaldehyde system as a sustainable support for Pd-based electrocatalysts. Samples with and without Nb addition were evaluated for ethanol oxidation. ACX exhibited a high surface area (1725 m 2 /g), a high I D / I G ratio (4.81) indicative of its amorphous structure (XRD), diverse surface functionalities, and good thermal stability. Electrochemical analyses (cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, Tafel slopes) highlighted the influence of support properties and metal dispersion on catalytic activity. While Nb incorporation limited performance, the results demonstrate ACX’s promise and limitations as a renewable electrocatalyst support. Graphical abstract

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Cite This Study

Ludgero-Santos et al. (Mon,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69ccb6fd16edfba7beb88ca6 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1557/s43579-026-00945-8

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