Use of PtAu/C electrocatalysts toward formate oxidation: electrochemical and fuel cell considerations

• Published in: Materials for renewable and sustainable energy Vol. 5; no. 4; pp. 1 - 8
• Main Authors: da Silva, Sirlane G., Silva, Júlio César M., Buzzo, Guilherme S., Neto, Almir O., Assumpção, Mônica H. M. T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01-11-2016; Springer Nature B.V; SpringerOpen
• Subjects: Borohydride process, formate oxidation; Chemistry and Materials Science; Direct formate fuel cell; Materials Science; Original Paper; PtAu/C electrocatalysts; Renewable and Green Energy; Borohydride process, formate oxidation; Direct formate fuel cell; PtAu/C electrocatalysts
• ISSN: 2194-1459; 2194-1467
• DOI: 10.1007/s40243-016-0079-8

This study reports the use of PtAu/C electrocatalysts with different atomic ratios (90:10, 70:30 and 50:50) supported on Vulcan XC 72 carbon and prepared by the sodium borohydride method toward formate electro-oxidation in alkaline media. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, showing peaks characteristics of Pt and Au face-centered-cubic structures, and also by transmission electron micrographs that show the nanoparticles well dispersed on carbon and a mean particle size between 4 and 5 nm for all electrocatalysts. Electrochemical experiments show PtAu/C as promising catalysts toward formate oxidation, while single cell experiments reveal PtAu/C 90:10 as the best material since it provides a power density higher than Pt/C. The incorporation of Au could increase formate oxidation for more than one reason: (i) a facilitated rupture of C–H bond; (ii) the Au/oxide interface or (iii) by regenerating active sites.