>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Anode catalysts are one of the key components of direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs). They play a huge role in the alcohol oxidation reaction (AOR) that occurs on the anode side. Palladium (Pd) supported on carbon material has been reported to have good catalytic activity towards alcohol oxidation reactions. Better stability and activity has been reported for catalysts supported on conductive polymers like polypyrrole (PPy) when compared to traditional carbon support material. This study investigated the effect of support materials on Pd and PdCo electro-catalysts while concurrently determining the support material that can improve the activity and stability of Pd and PdCo electro-catalysts used as direct alcohol fuel cells catalysts. All Pd and PdCo catalysts supported onPPy (prepared using oxidative polymerization method), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and prepared using modified Hammers method and multi-walled carbon nanotubes and pre-treated by acid. All the catalysts were synthesized using the modified polyol method.

<p>In this study novel composite electrodes were developed, in which the catalytic components were deposited in nanoparticulate form. The efficiency of the nanophase catalysts and membrane electrodes were tested in an important electrocatalytic process, namely hydrogen production by water electrolysis, for renewable energy systems. The activity of electrocatalytic nanostructured electrodes for hydrogen production by water electrolysis were compared with that of more conventional electrodes. Development of the methodology of preparing nanophase materials in a rapid, efficient and simple manner was investigated for potential application at industrial scale. Comparisons with industry standards were performed and electrodes with incorporated nanophases were characterized and evaluated for activity and durability.</p>

<p>In this study novel composite electrodes were developed, in which the catalytic components were deposited in nanoparticulate form. The efficiency of the nanophase catalysts and membrane electrodes were tested in an important electrocatalytic process, namely hydrogen production by water electrolysis, for renewable energy systems. The activity of electrocatalytic nanostructured electrodes for hydrogen production by water electrolysis were compared with that of more conventional electrodes. Development of the methodology of preparing nanophase materials in a rapid, efficient and simple manner was investigated for potential application at industrial scale. Comparisons with industry standards were performed and electrodes with incorporated nanophases were characterized and evaluated for activity and durability.</p>

Doctor Scientiae - DSc / In this study novel composite electrodes were developed, in which the catalytic components were deposited in nanoparticulate form. The efficiency of the nanophase catalysts and membrane electrodes were tested in an important electrocatalytic process, namely hydrogen production by water electrolysis, for renewable energy systems. The activity of electrocatalytic nanostructured electrodes for hydrogen production by water electrolysis were compared with that of more conventional electrodes. Development of the methodology of preparing nanophase materials in a rapid, efficient and simple manner was investigated for potential application at industrial scale. Comparisons with industry standards were performed and electrodes with incorporated nanophases were characterized and evaluated for activity and durability. / South Africa