Pt-based catalysts for direct ethanol fuel cells

Abstract

A PtSn/C catalyst was synthesized by the direct decoration of commercial Pt/C with Sn as anode electrocatalyst in direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC). The techniques of cyclic voltammetry, anode polarization curve, and single DEFC tests were applied to compare the electrocatalytic activity of the prepared PtSn/C and the commercial PtRu/CPt to ethanol oxidation. Pt/C catalyst modified by Sn showed superior electrocatalytic activity to ethanol oxidation than commercial PtRu/C. Even if considered as the most active electrocatalyst for methanol electrooxidation, PtRu/C could not be considered as a suitable one for ethanol electrooxidation. The results of cyclic voltammetry and anode polarization were coordinated with those of single DEFC tests. PtSn/C could exhibit a more negative ethanol oxidation onset potential and a higher oxidation current density.