PtCu catalyst for the electro-oxidation of ethanol in an alkaline direct alcohol fuel cell

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 42; no. 46; pp. 27919 - 27928
• Main Authors: Maya-Cornejo, J., Carrera-Cerritos, R., Sebastián, D., Ledesma-García, J., Arriaga, L.G., Aricò, A.S., Baglio, V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 16.11.2017
• Subjects: Alkaline media; Anion-exchange-membrane; Copper; Ethanol electro-oxidation; Fuel cell; Platinum; Anion-exchange-membrane; Ethanol electro-oxidation; Alkaline media; Copper; Platinum; Fuel cell
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.07.226

A PtCu electrocatalyst was synthesized using a galvanic displacement route obtaining nanoparticles with a semi-spherical morphology and an average size of 4 nm, supported on carbon black (Vulcan). The crystallographic characterization by X-ray diffraction showed a certain degree of PtCu alloying. The electrocatalytic activity of the prepared electrocatalyst for the electro-oxidation of ethanol in alkaline media was investigated. A 2-fold increase of the peak current density and a negative shift of the potential were recorded in half-cell experiments for the bimetallic catalyst compared to a commercial Pt/C. The presence of Cu promotes ethanol oxidation in alkaline electrolyte by hindering the PtH adsorption at low overpotentials. Additionally, the PtCu electrocatalyst was used as anode in an anion-exchange-membrane direct ethanol fuel cell (AEM-DEFC) exhibiting about 2-fold higher power density than the benchmark Pt/C. •The synthesis of PtCu catalyst by galvanic displacement on carbon is reported.•The electrocatalytic activity for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media is studied.•PtCu electrocatalyst is used as anode in AEM-DEFCs and compared to Pt.•The PtCu/C exhibits about 2-fold higher power density than the benchmark Pt/C.