A Study on significant role of Ru on MWCNT-supported PtRu electrocatalysts for ethanol electro-oxidation

The composition and atomic structure of nanoalloy electrocatalysts play an important role in the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). To study this and develop an electrochemically active electrocatalyst towards ethanol electro-oxidation, a second oxophilic metal has generally been initiated as an alloy, capable of enhancing the electrocatalytic activity of platinum. Given the above, the present investigation deals with nanoparticles of PtRu with different bimetallic compositions supported on multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) (C) for their activity on the ethanol electro-oxidation. The structure, morphology, and bonding of the electrocatalysts were studied by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDXRF, and FTIR. Electrochemical methods like cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to explore the catalytic activity towards ethanol electro-oxidation. This study focused on establishing the relationship between the electrocatalysts' composition, atomic structure, and catalytic activity for the EOR. All the results of physical and electrochemical studies revealed an intriguing composition-structure-activity relationship for the PtRu electrocatalysts under EOR experimental conditions. In particular, the alloy with a Pt/Ru ratio of similar to 84 : 16 was found to exhibit a maximum EOR activity as a function of the bimetallic composition. Notably, the catalytic activities of the C/PtRu electrocatalysts showed a significant improvement during the EOR. The results show a new perspective in the development of C/PtRu electrocatalysts regarding ethanol oxidation reaction which is important for the rational design and synthesis of active nanoalloy electrocatalysts for direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC).

Automated summary

The composition and atomic structure of nanoalloy electrocatalysts are crucial for the ethanol oxidation reaction. This study explores the relationship between the composition, structure, and catalytic activity of PtRu electrocatalysts and proposes a new perspective for the development of C/PtRu electrocatalysts for direct ethanol fuel cells.