PtCu catalyst for the electro-oxidation of ethanol in an alkaline direct alcohol fuel cell. (16th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maya-Cornejo, J.; Carrera-Cerritos, R.; Sebastián, D.; Ledesma-García, J.; Arriaga, L.G.; Aricò, A.S.; Baglio, V.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 42:Number 46(2017)
• Page Start: 27919
• Page End: 27928
• Publication Date: 2017-11-16
• Subjects: Ethanol electro-oxidation -- Alkaline media -- Anion-exchange-membrane -- Fuel cell -- Platinum -- Copper; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.07.226
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: 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. Highlights: 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.