Carbon-supported Pt particles as a catalyst for electrooxidation of methanol and cyclic voltammetry studies under acidic conditions

Electrooxidation of methanol on glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified by optimum carbon supported Pt electrocatalyst (Pt-C/GC) in acid media is investigated. The catalyst is prepared by ultrasonicating Pt/C powders in aqueous media. The activity of prepared Pt-C/GC electrode is studied in potential range of 0-1000 mV (versus SCE) by cyclic voltammetry. The results showed that the Pt/C dispersed layer at the surface of glassy carbon electrode, behaves as an electrocatalyst for the oxidation of methanol in acid medium by optimum loading of Pt (0.2 mg cm(-2)). The electrochemical properties of prepared electrode are studied under various conditions. However the effect of various parameters in the catalytic enhancement of Pt/C, such as platinum loading, sulfuric acid concentration, different scan rates, different final potentials, and medium temperature are considered and examined.