In this study, palladium particles supported on carbon black (Vulcan XC-72) (Pd/C) and corncob biochar (Pd/CB800, Pd/CB900, and Pd/CB1000) were successfully synthesized using borohydride reduction. The biochar support was obtained from corncob waste via pyrolysis from 800 to 1000 degrees C. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX) revealed successful deposition of Pd metal particles on the carbon support materials. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline structures of Pd, and the crystallite size was found to be smallest in Pd/CB900. The electrocatalytic activity of the Pd electrocatalyst composites towards ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) in an alkaline medium was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV). CV analysis has shown that Pd/CB900 gave the least positive onset potential (Eonset = -0.587 +/- 0.0065 V), highest electrochemically active surface area (EASA = 31.51 +/- 2.24 m2 center dot g-1), and highest anodic peak current density (If = 20.77 mA center dot cm-2) compared with Pd/CB800, Pd/CB1000, and Pd/C. Furthermore, the Tafel plot and chronoamperometry have shown that Pd/CB900 exhibited faster kinetics (Tafel slope = 297.6 +/- 4.62 mV center dot dec-1) and durability (% current retention = 50.64 +/- 2.99%) than Pd/C towards EOR in an alkaline medium. This study highlights the simple and straightforward synthesis of the anode electrocatalyst material for direct ethanol fuel cell application. This study synthesized palladium supported on Vulcan XC72 and corncob biochar (CB800, CB900, CB1000) via borohydride reduction. SEM-EDX confirmed Pd deposition on each carbon supports, while XRD showed smallest crystallite size in Pd/CB900. Moreover, Pd/CB900 displayed superior electrocatalytic performance for ethanol oxidation in alkaline medium among the synthesized Pd electrocatalysts composites, showcasing potential application for direct ethanol fuel cell application.image
