Electrochemical and in situ ATR-FTIR studies of ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline medium using PtRh/C electrocatalysts

• Published in: Materials for renewable and sustainable energy Vol. 4; no. 1; p. 1
• Main Authors: Fontes, E. H., Piasentin, R. M., Ayoub, J. M. S., da Silva, J. C. M., Assumpção, M. H. M. T., Spinacé, E. V., Neto, A. O., de Souza, R. F. B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.03.2015; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Chemistry and Materials Science; Materials Science; Original Paper; Renewable and Green Energy; PtRh/C electrocatalysts; In situ ATR-FTIR; Ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline medium
• ISSN: 2194-1459; 2194-1467
• DOI: 10.1007/s40243-015-0043-z

Pt/C, Rh/C and PtRh/C electrocatalysts with different Pt:Rh atomic ratios supported on Vulcan XC 72 carbon were prepared using borohydride as reducing agent and tested for ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline medium. X-ray diffraction patterns showed the formation of PtRh alloy. Transmission electron micrographs showed the nanoparticles with particle sizes between 3 and 6 nm for all materials. Electrochemical experiments showed PtRh/C (50:50) the most promising material for ethanol electro-oxidation; however, in situ ATR-FTIR experiments was observed that the ethanol oxidation is incomplete due to the formation of acetate and carbonate.