Modification of Gold Catalysis with Aluminum Phosphate for Oxygen-Reduction Reaction

The activities of AU/AlPO4 nanocomposites with the variation of metal phosphates were examined for oxygen-reduction reactions, both in an alkaline and acidic environment. Ill in alkaline media, the activities of the Au/AlPO4 nanocomposites oil the oxygen-reduction were enhanced. The steeper reduction slope as well as larger reduction current density were Observed ill the potential range of approximately 0.8-1.0 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode) with the newly appeared peak at similar to 0.85 V. Ill ail acidic media, the oxygen reduction Oil the Au/AlPO4 nanocomposites presented both higher onset, potential and steeper reduction slope than that oil the Au catalyst. Such enhancements were attributed to the electronic interactions between Au and AlPO4, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.