Formic acid electrooxidation on carbon supported platinum catalyst with preferential plane orientation

Abstract

Pt-based nanocatalysts supported on Vulcan XC-72R carbon, were prepared by water-in-oil microemulsion method, with addition of various amounts of HCl in the water phase. Polyethileneglycoldodecylether (BRIJ 30) was used as a surfactant, which influenced the Pt surface structure, along with HCl. Catalysts prepared with addition of 0, 15, 25 and 35 % of HCl during the synthesis, were electrochemically characterised in 0,5 M H2SO4 using cyclic voltammetry and CO oxidation. Formic acid electrooxidation was examined on all investigated catalysts, in terms of their electrocatalytic activity and stability. Platinum loading on carbon support was examined by Thermogravimetric analysis. Catalysts showed different features in hydrogen region, and slight differences in formic acid oxidation mechanisms.

Keywords

• nanoparticles
• platinum
• formic acid electrooxidation
• microemulsion method