Electrocatalysis using ionic liquids and chemical comsumption of platinum oxides

Author(s)

Bruno Carreira Batista

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC/BT)
• Defense date: 2009-03-13

Examining board members

Hamilton Brandão Varela de Albuquerque; Fabio Henrique Barros de Lima; Roberto Manuel Torresi

• Advisor: Hamilton Brandão Varela de Albuquerque

Abstract

This dissertation is divided on two parts. The first one deals with fundamental electrochemistry employing an ionic liquid as supporting electrolyte and as a subject of study by itself. Phenomena like the anodic and cathodic stability of the liquid, emphasizing its degradation mechanism is presented. It is also shown a study of the electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrogen in this environment. For this case, efforts were made to unravel mechanistic aspects of the reaction, as well as physical chemical features. Electrochemical techniques and numerical simulations were used for investigation and understanding of that system. The second part presents a study of the interaction between platinum oxides and some organic compounds, namely: formic acid, methanol and ethanol. The study was performed under open circuit conditions by following the temporal evolution of the potential and also the concentration of some chemical species by using in situ infrared spectroscopy. Data were analyzed under the guide of knowledge constructed by the fields of electrocatalysis and dynamical systems. Modelling and simulation allowed understanding the individual role of the various participants species on the global behavior of the system. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/01575-6 - Electrocatalysis using ionic liquids
• Grantee: Bruno Carreira Batista
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master