Rare earth cuprates as electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation

A series of rare earth cuprates with overall composition Ln(2-x)M(x)Cu(1-y)M ' O-y(4-delta) (where Ln = La and Nd; M = Sr, Ca and Ba; M ' = Ru and Sb: 0.0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 0.4 and y = 0.1) have been tested as anode electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation. The evaluation of electrode kinetic parameters was made galvanostatically. The catalyst characterization was carried out by specific conductivity measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Iodometry. These materials exhibit significant activity for methanol oxidation at higher potentials. The linear correlation between Cu(3 +) content and methanol oxidation activity suggests that the active sites for adsorption of methanol is Cu(3 +). The methanol oxidation onset potential depends on the ease of Cu(2 +) --> Cu(3 +) oxidation reaction. These materials show better tolerance towards the poisoning by the intermediates of methanol oxidation compared to that of conventional noble metal electrocatalysts (supported and bulk). The lattice oxygen in these oxides could be considered as active oxygen to remove CO intermediates of methanol oxidation reaction. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.