In Situ ATR-FTIR Studies of Ethanol Electro-oxidation in Alkaline Medium on PtRh/C Electrocatalyst Prepared by an Alcohol Reduction Process

Author(s)

Fontes, E. H. ^[1] ; da Silva, Sirlane G. ^[1] ; Spinace', E. V. ^[1] ; Neto, A. O. ^[1] ; de Souza, R. F. B. ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] IPEN CNEN SP, Inst Pesquisas Energet & Nucl, Av Prof Lineu Prestes, 2242 Cidade Univ, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Amazonas, Dept Quim, Lab Eletroquim & Energia, Av Gen Rodrigo Octavio 6200, Coroado 1, BR-69077000 Manaus, AM - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ELECTROCATALYSIS; v. 7, n. 4, p. 297-304, JUL 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Anion exchange membrane fuel cell is a new chance to produce a functional and portable fuel cell; however, the studies are still at an early stage with few reports regarding the AEMFC. PtRh/C electrocatalysts with different Pt:Rh atomic ratios were prepared by an alcohol reduction process. X-ray diffraction patterns for all PtRh/C materials indicated no shift in Pt(fee) peaks showing that Rh did not incorporated into Pt lattice; however, the analysis of lattice parameter showed that some Pt atoms are added to Rh(fee) structure. The mean particle sizes were in the range of 4-5 nm. Electrochemical experiments showed that PtRh/C electrocatalyst with Pt:Rh atomic ratio of 70:30 had superior performance exhibiting a current density of 5.0 mA mg(metal)(-1). From in situ ATR-FTIR experiments, it was observed that PtRh/C electrocatalyst with Pt:Rh atomic ratio of 70:30 produced more acetate ions than other ones, while the material prepared with Pt:Rh atomic ratio of 50:50 was more selective to CO2 as observed in acid media. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/50279-4 - Brasil Research Centre for Gas Innovation
• Grantee: Julio Romano Meneghini
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program
• FAPESP's process: 14/09087-4 - Studies on the use of bioethanol in proton exchange membrane and solid oxide fuel cells
• Grantee: Marcelo Linardi
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants