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

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