Palladium-Embedded Laser-Induced Graphene for Efficient Formic Acid Oxidation

The rapid, one-pot, waste-free, and scalable laser processing approach facilitates the direct printing of the highly dispersed palladium-embedded graphene composite on the substrate under ambient temperature and pressure for the electrooxidation of the formic acid. We successfully converted the precursors to the Pd metal nanoparticles and the graphene by optimizing laser parameters, such as power, scan rate, and resolution. Laser parameters can control the graphitization level and particle size. The nanoparticle composite was highly dispersed, firmly adhered to the graphene, and subjected to chemical, morphological, and electrochemical investigations. Our findings demonstrate that the Pd/R electrocatalysts for formic acid oxidation are highly active, tolerant to CO, and durable for prolonged formic acid oxidation (FAO). The optimal composition of Pd/R exhibits a high current density of 37.7 mA/mg(Pd) and a negative shift of overpotential from 0.1 V vs Ag/AgCl, exceeding the performances of other compositions. Analysis of the electrocatalytic products confirms the presence of CO2 qualitatively.