Insitu FTIR studies for the enhanced activity of Pt(HY) and Pt-Ru(HY) zeolite catalysts for electrooxidation of methanol in fuel cells

Insitu FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) technique has been employed to study the oxidation of methanol on Platinum and Platinum - Ruthenium catalysts supported on HY zeolites IN-Ru (HY)/C]. The reaction has been studied by recording the spectra at different temperature ranges from room temperature fill 170 degrees C. The catalytic activity has been studies in presence and absence of oxygen supply. The mechanism for oxidation of methanol has also been interpreted from the data obtained. The decomposition of methanol on Platinum (HY)/C catalyst occurs via carbonate/formate pathway in presence of oxygen and carbonate/carboxylate in absence of oxygen. The optimum efficiency of the N (HY) catalyst occurs at 120 degrees C. But on the surface of N- Ru (HY)/C catalyst, methanol oxidation occurs at room temperatures, thus emphasizing higher catalytic efficiency. The enhanced activity of the Platinum-Ruthenium/HY has been explained on the basis of intermediates formed during the reaction.