Carbon-supported ptsncu, ptcu and ptsn electrocatalysts for ethanol oxidation in acid media

Abstract

Carbon-supported PtSnCu, PtSn, PtCu and Pt electro-catalysts were prepared by reduction of metal precursors in ethanol reflux. These materials were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Electrochemical properties were characterized by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry in presence and absence of ethanol in the electrolyte solution. Results showed a metal nanoparticle homogeneous distribution on the carbon support with small agglomerate formation, particle sizes were determined as 2-4 nm and solid solutions formation were observed. The electrochemical characterization evidenced the material stability and a drastic decrease of the onset potential for ethanol electrochemical reaction was observed when Cu is used as a modifying compound to the PtSn electrocatalyst.