Development of Pt@M (M = Ru, Sn e Ni)catalysts for electrooxidation of glycerol in fuel cell devises

• Grant number: 13/11474-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date until: December 01, 2013
• End date until: November 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Adalgisa Rodrigues de Andrade
• Grantee: Vanderlei Silva Lima
• 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 cells (DAFC) are emerging as a highly promising technology. In this research, we propose to investigate the oxidation of glycerol. Among the various types of alcohols used as fuel, glycerol can catalytically convert 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 we are using a biodiesel by-product to produce clean energy. Plurimetallic nanoparticles based on Pt and adding the different amounts of Ru, Sn, and Ni in varying proportions supported on carbon (Vulcan XC 72) will be used. The electrocatalysts are physically characterized by different physicochemical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, and X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical characterization by means of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry is used to determine the catalytic activity for the oxidation of glycerol. And finally will be held electrolysis at controlled potential and analysis of products formed, these parameters are essential for a complete understanding of the mechanism and efficiency of the reaction. (AU)