Rare-earth modified Pt-Sn catalysts obtained via bromide anion exchange for enhanced ethanol electrooxidation in alkaline medium

Author(s)

Corradini, Patricia Gon ; Hernandez, Martin Emilio Gonzalez ; de Morais, Claudia ; Kokoh, K. Boniface ; Napporn, Teko W. ; Perez, Joelma

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry; v. 27, n. 10, p. 12-pg., 2023-06-14.

Abstract

Pt-Sn/C has been widely reported as an anode catalyst in direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC). However, this bimetallic catalyst often results in the production of a four-electron reaction product (acetate) instead of 12 electrons required for complete ethanol oxidation. In this work, a surfactant-free bromide anion exchange (BAE) method was used for the first time to prepare rare-earth (La, Ce, Pr, and Eu) modified Pt-Sn electrocatalysts for promoting the C-C bond cleavage. Among the synthesized nanomaterials, Pt-Sn-Ce/C exhibited the highest current density and good stability in alkaline medium. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze the surface properties of the synthesized materials and correlate them with electrochemical characterizations to enhance their activity towards ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). The in situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy investigations provided evidence of similar EOR pathways for Pt-Sn and rare-earth modified bimetallic anodes. The presence of the cocatalysts promoted higher current density during the EOR, especially for Pt-Sn-Ce/C. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/13218-0 - New routes for Pt-Sn-Eu/C catalysts for ethanol oxidation reaction
• Grantee: Patricia Gon Corradini
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 12/12189-8 - Investigation of platinum-rare earth nanocatalysts supported in carbon for direct ethanol fuel cells
• Grantee: Patricia Gon Corradini
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate