Development of catalytic PtSn, PtRu to the electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol and ethanol for use in a fuel cell

• Grant number: 12/13984-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2012
• End date: February 28, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Adalgisa Rodrigues de Andrade
• Grantee: Rafael Maglia de Souza
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Among the various configurations of fuel cells, direct alcohols fuel cell (DAFC) are emerging as a highly promising technology. In this research we propose to investigate the oxidation of ethanol and glycerol. Among the various types of alcohols used as fuel glycerol which can be catalytically converted into energy by oxidation of its three functions alcohol (OH). Thus, besides being obtained at low cost and in large scale, its oxidation takes place by means of an efficient and high catalytic activity. Another advantage of the use of glycerol is its low toxicity, non-flammable and is not volatile and is therefore very attractive energy fuel.Thus, the use of glycerol as DAFCs fuel, is a promising application and costly, since the its use biodiesel by-product to produce high and clean energy. Plurimetallic nanoparticles based on Pt and adding the different amounts of Ru, Sn and Ni in varying proportions, these particles will be supported on carbon (Vulcan XC 72). The electrocatalysts are physically characterized by different physico-chemical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical characterization by means of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry are used to determine the catalytic activity for oxidation of glycerol and ethanol. And finally will be held electrolysis at controlled potential/current and analysis of products formed, these parameters are essential for a complete understanding of the mechanism and efficiency of the reaction.(AU)