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Abstract
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Fuel cells represent up-and-coming alternatives in the range of renewable energy sources. However, with certain
drawbacks, given the high cost and poor stability of existing commercial catalysts, different ways are being
aspired to for better performance. This study prepared Ce-MOF-CNTs nanocomposites using a facile approach.
Later, Pd nanoparticles are distributed on the substrate of Ce-MOF-CNTs with a simple reduction process using
sodium borohydride. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, N2
adsorption-desorption isotherms, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy are
conducted to characterize the synthesized material composition, morphology, and textural features. Cyclic
voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, and chronoamperometry are conducted to explore the electrochemical
activities of the synthesized catalysts toward formic acid oxidation. The results confrmed that incorporating Pd
with Ce-MOF-CNT enhances the surface area, porosity, and electrochemically active surface area (ECSA). The
Pd/Ce-MOF-CNT catalyst exhibited a maximum current density and mass activity of 140.1 mA cm− 2 and
1912.11 mA mg− 1, compared to other catalysts. Stability tests further demonstrated that Pd/Ce-MOF-CNT retains
a greater fraction of its initial current density after 36,000 s. These fndings suggest that Pd/Ce-MOF-CNT is a
promising electrocatalyst for high-effciency applications
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