Influence of the carbon support on the Pt–Sn anodic catalyst for the electrochemical reforming of ethanol. (23rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Calcerrada, A.B.; de la Osa, A.R.; Lopez-Fernandez, E.; Dorado, F.; de Lucas-Consuegra, A.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 44:Number 21(2019)
• Page Start: 10616
• Page End: 10626
• Publication Date: 2019-04-23
• Subjects: H2 production -- Electrolysis -- Electrochemical reforming -- Pt–Sn-anode -- Carbonaceous-supports; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.03.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Several anodic catalysts based on Pt–Sn (3:1 mass ratio) and 20% total metal loading were prepared on different carbonaceous supports (functionalized and non-functionalized low-density nanofibers, graphite oxide, expanded graphite, graphene flakes and β-SiC), to identify an alternative for the traditional Carbon Vulcan XC-72 support for the electrochemical reforming of ethanol. Of the materials tested, Pt–Sn supported on non-functionalized low-density nanofibers (CNF LS) showed the highest electro-catalytic activity vs. the traditional support. This result was attributed to the combination of different properties such as high surface area and dispersion of the Pt–Sn nanoparticles, high electrochemical active surface area and high basicity. This anodic catalyst was chosen for the development of a Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) and tested for the electrochemical reforming of ethanol. A high activity was obtained (120 mA cm −2 at 1.4 V and 80 °C) for hydrogen production. In addition, the stability of the system and its subsequent regeneration were studied in view of its practical application. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Pt–Sn catalysts on different supports were synthetized by NaBH4 reduction method. Non-functionalized low-density nanofibers was chosen as the best support. Based on this material a Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) was built. High activity was obtained (120 mA cm −2 at 1.4 V and 80 °C) for hydrogen production. The stability of the system and its further regeneration were studied.