Amperometric Oxygen Sensor Based on Bimetallic Pd-Cu/C Electrocatalysts

A laminated Pd-Cu alloy/C/Nafion multilayer was prepared to sense O2 atmosphere in a metal-air structure. As matrix, palladium doped with various amounts of copper conduct preliminary test optimum response, and four compositions, Pd, Pd8Cu2, Pd6Cu4, Pd5Cu5, were selected as the candidate electrodes. It found that Pd6Cu4/C electrode showed higher sensitivity for all According phase identification X-ray diffraction photoelectron spectroscopy tests, high attributed Cu, which merged into Pd matrix repel out Pd-skin layer on surface. In alloy, Cu site served template reaction break O-O bond reduce interaction force adsorbated oxygen site. During reduction reaction, not only did decomposition molecules occur electrode, but itself proceeded transformation valance oxide, PdO3. The sensing potential determined by polarization curves flat region resulting from diffusion-control adopted. Chronoamperometric measurements employed construct calibration successive response measured endurance, appreciable decay. We also tested selectivity introducing series disturbance gases, CO, SO2, NO2, Pd6Cu4 prevailed over other