Abstract
A novel electrocatalytic system for oxidation of ethanol, in which carbon-supported PtSn nanoparticles were modified with ultra-thin films/deposits of tungsten oxide, was proposed, fabricated and characterized here using electrochemical as well as spectroscopic (X-ray diffraction) and microscopic (transmission electron) techniques. The enhancement effect was evident from comparative diagnostic electrochemical experiments utilizing WO3-modified and bare (unmodified) PtSn nanoparticles in acid medium (0.5moldm−3 H2SO4) at room temperature in the presence of ethanol. It is noteworthy that, the chronoamperometric electrocatalytic currents measured at potentials as low as 0.3V (vs. RHE) were significantly larger for WO3-modified PtSn/C relative to bare PtSn/C. In another diagnostic “stripping” experiment, it was found that oxidation of CO-adsorbate occurred in the presence of WO3 at potentials almost 100mV lower in comparison to the unmodified system. The overall activation effect may have origin in interactions of tungsten oxide with tin (from PtSn alloy nanoparticles) leading to stabilization of the catalytic tin oxo species. WO3 may also provide large population of reactive oxo groups at the Pt/Sn-based electrocatalytic interface.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
