Superior electrocatalysis of formic acid electro-oxidation on a platinum, gold and manganese oxide nanoparticle-based ternary catalyst. (4th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohammad, Ahmad M.; Al-Akraa, Islam M.; El-Deab, Mohamed S.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 43:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 139
• Page End: 149
• Publication Date: 2018-01-04
• Subjects: Electrocatalysis -- Gold nanoparticles -- Platinum nanoparticles -- Manganese oxide nanoparticles -- Direct formic acid fuel cells; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.11.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: A novel "MnOx/Au/Pt" ternary nanocatalyst is recommended for formic acid electro-oxidation (FAO), the principal anodic reaction in direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs). The protocol employed to prepare the catalyst utilized the sequential (layer-by-layer) electrodeposition of Pt (nano-Pt), Au (nano-Au) and manganese oxide (nano-MnOx) nanoparticles onto the surface of a glassy carbon (GC) support. The nano-Au enhanced the catalytic performance by changing the surface geometry to inhibit the adsorption of poisoning CO, which is a typical intermediate in the reaction mechanism of FAO, producing a potential deterioration of the catalytic performance of DFAFCs. On the other hand, nano-MnOx could successfully mediate the mechanism of FAO by accelerating the charge transfer and imparting an enhanced catalytic stability during long continuous operation. Interestingly, with this modification of the Pt/GC electrode by nano-Au and nano-MnOx, a significant (ca. 67 times that obtained at the Pt/GC electrode) enhancement in the catalytic activity toward FAO was achieved. Highlights: A MnOx/Au/Pt ternary nanocatalyst was developed sequentially by electrodeposition. It exhibited a superior catalytic performance toward formic acid electro-oxidation. With this catalyst, CO poisoning of Pt-based catalysts could be overcome. The role of nano-Au and nano-MnOx in the catalytic enhancement was elaborated. The catalyst showed a promising stability under continuous electrolysis.