Preparation, characterization and application of trimetalics catalysts PtSnX (x= Ni, PD, RH e W) for direct ethanol oxidation fuel cell

• Grant number: 09/15034-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: February 01, 2010
• End date: June 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Adalgisa Rodrigues de Andrade
• Grantee: Thiago dos Santos Almeida
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 11/21770-3 - Material exploration: combinatorial optimization of ternary PtSnX (X=Ni, Ru, RH and PD) alloy catalysts for ethanol electrooxidation, BE.EP.DD

Abstract

The great concern with the environmental has stimulated research in the area of the development of more efficient generating systems of energy and with less taxes of pollution. In this way Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell (DEFC) became more and more utilized because of its easy operation, applicability and non-toxicity. Brazil is the largest producer of ethanol, with a big distribuction net in the country making this subject become specially interesting. For a more advantageonus generation of energy the completely oxidation of ethanol to CO2 is required. Althout there i a lot reseach concernig with this subject the breaking C-C bond still a big challenge. The goal of this project is the production of efficient catalysts for the oxidation of ethanol. It will be prepared plurimetallic nanoparticles: Pt-Sn-Ni, Pt-Sn-Pd, Pt-Sn-Rh and Pt-Sn-W, varying the ratio of Sn:X (X = Ni,Pd,Rh e W), obtained by thermal decomposition and microwaves irradiation in carbon with high superficial area. The electrodes will be characterized physically through cyclic voltammetry, cronoamperommetry and cronopotenciommetry, in order to determine the catalysts that present the best catalytic activity for the oxidation of ethanol. Electrolysis at controlled potential and analysis of products formed by HPLC and CG-MS will be analysed, these parameters are very important for the complete comprehension of the reaction mechanism. Finally, tests of fuel cell will be carried to evaluate the performance, durability and stability of the eletrocatalysts. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

ALMEIDA, T. S.; PALMA, L. M.; MORAIS, C.; KOKOH, K. B.; DE ANDRADE, A. R.. Effect of Adding a Third Metal to Carbon-Supported PtSn-Based Nanocatalysts for Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell in Acidic Medium. Journal of the Electrochemical Society, v. 160, n. 9, p. F965-F971, 2013. (09/15034-2)

ALMEIDA, T. S.; PALMA, L. M.; LEONELLO, P. H.; MORAIS, C.; KOKOH, K. B.; DE ANDRADE, A. R.. An optimization study of PtSn/C catalysts applied to direct ethanol fuel cell: Effect of the preparation method on the electrocatalytic activity of the catalysts. Journal of Power Sources, v. 215, p. 53-62, OCT 1 2012. (09/15034-2)