Electro-oxidation of Ethanol on PtPdSn/C-Sb2O5.SnO2 Electrocatalysts Prepared by Borohydride Reduction

Author(s)

Piasentin, R. M. ^[1] ; de Souza, R. F. B. ^[1] ; Silva, J. C. M. ^[2] ; Spinace, E. V. ^[1] ; Santos, M. C. ^[2] ; Neto, A. O. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] IPEN CNEN SP, Inst Pesquisas Energet & Nucl, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Abc, CCNH, LEMN, Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: International Journal of Electrochemical Science; v. 8, n. 1, p. 435-445, JAN 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 11

Abstract

Pt/C-Sb2O5.SnO2, PtPd/C-Sb2O5.SnO2 and PtPdSn/C-Sb2O5.SnO2 electrocatalysts were prepared in a single step using H2PtCl6.6H(2)O, Pd(NO3)(2).2H(2)O and SnCl2.2H(2)O as metal sources, sodium borohydride as reducing agent and a physical mixture of 85% Vulcan Carbon XC72 and 15% Sb2O5.SnO2 (antimony tin oxide - ATO) as support. X-ray diffractograms showed that Pt-Pd-Sn(fcc) alloy, carbon and Sb2O5.SnO2 phases are present in the PtPdSn/C-Sb2O5.SnO2 electrocatalysts. Transmission electron microscopy for all electrocatalysts showed that the metal nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed over the supports with average particle sizes in the range of 3-5 nm. The electro-oxidation of ethanol was studied by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry at 25 degrees C and in a single Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell (DEFC) at 100 degrees C. PtPdSn/C-Sb2O5.SnO2 electrocatalysts exhibited superior performance for ethanol electro-oxidation than PtPd/C-Sb2O5.SnO2 and Pt/C-Sb2O5.SnO2 electrocatalysts, respectively. In situ FTIR studies showed that acetic acid and CO2 are preferentially formed using PtPdSn/C-Sb2O5.SnO2 electrocatalysts. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/18246-0 - Preparation of PD binary and ternary electrocatalysts by borohydride reduction for alcohol electro-oxidation in alkaline medium
• Grantee: Almir Oliveira Neto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants