Electro-oxidation of ethanol on Platinum-Niobium surfaces: electrocatalysis and kinetic instabilities

• Grant number: 25/13115-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Hamilton Brandão Varela de Albuquerque
• Grantee: Higor Santos Alves
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/22183-6 - Electrocatalysis VI: fundamental and applied aspects of emerging and classical problems in electrochemical energy conversion, AP.TEM

Abstract

This project investigates the electro-oxidation of ethanol as a route for the sustainable production of hydrogen (H¿). For this purpose, bimetallic platinum-niobium (PtNb) catalysts will be developed in 3:1 and 1:1 atomic ratios, synthesized via the chemical reduction method using sodium borohydride. The study will assess the impact of niobium on the catalytic activity and its influence on the system's kinetic instabilities, with a focus on potential oscillations under galvanostatic conditions. The hypothesis is that the addition of niobium will enhance the catalyst's efficiency and stability, contributing to the advancement of cleaner and viable energy technologies.