Electrochemical and fuel cell evaluation of PtAu/C electrocatalysts for ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline media

Author(s)

da Silva, Sirlane G. ^[1] ; Silva, Julio Cesar M. ^[1] ; Buzzo, Guilherme S. ^[1] ; De Souza, Rodrigo F. B. ^[1] ; Spinace, Estevam V. ^[1] ; Neto, Almir O. ^[1] ; Assumpcao, Monica H. M. T. ^[1]

Affiliation

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

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY; v. 39, n. 19, p. 10121-10127, JUN 24 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 28

Abstract

PtAu/C electrocatalysts in different atomic ratios and supported on Vulcan XC 72 carbon were tested for ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline media. The electrocatalysts were prepared using borohydride as reducing agent. PtAu/C X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed peaks characteristic of Pt face-centered cubic (fcc) structure and carbon. PtAu/C (70:30) and (50:50) XRD patterns showed a shift to lower values of 2 theta when compared to Pt/C, this way suggesting the formation of PtAu alloy. Transmission electron micrographs showed the nanoparticles with particle size between 4 and 6.5 nm for all PtAu/C electrocatalysts. Electrochemical characterization of the PtAu/C materials suggested the PtAu/C (50:50) as the most promising material for ethanol electro-oxidation while experiments in single fuel cell suggested PtAu/C (70:30). The discrepancy in the results obtained can be explained by the electrode construction since PtAu/C (50:50) yields a much thicker electrode than PtAu/C (70:30), due to the Pt load is the same. The best results obtained with PtAu/C electrocatalysts could be explained by the presence of Pt and Au in close contact (alloy) associated to the extend in the platinum lattice parameters since these properties could contribute to the C-C breaking bond. Copyright (C) 2014, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/22731-4 - Electrocatalysts SUPPORTED IN DIFFERENT SUBSTRATES prepared by codeposition electrochemistry for direct liquid fuel cell (methanol , ethanol and formic acidic)
• Grantee: Guilherme Soares Buzzo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• 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
• FAPESP's process: 13/01577-0 - Development of materials and degradation studies of electrocatalysts and supports for alkaline fuel cell
• Grantee: Júlio César Martins da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 12/03516-5 - Oxides-C supported electrocatalysts for direct liquid fuel cell anodes
• Grantee: Rodrigo Fernando Brambilla de Souza
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral