Electrocatalytic oxidation of small organic molecules on Pt-Au nanoparticles supported by POMAN-MWCNTs

Abstract

Poly (o-methoxyaniline) and multi-wall carbon nanotube composite (POMAN-MWCNT) films were deposited onto the platinum (Pt) electrode surface by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Then, platinum and gold (Au) nano-particles were deposited by CV and the double potential deposition method to modify the composite film on the Pt electrode. The morphology of the composite film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and its electrocatalytic activity toward methanol and formaldehyde oxidation was studied by CV and other electrochemical methods. The results demonstrated that Pt-Au/POMAN-MWCNTs obtained by the double potential deposition method had a much higher catalytic activity and better anti-poisoning property for electrooxidation of methanol and formaldehyde. The improved catalytic performance could be attributed to the uniformly distribution of duel-metal nanoparticles and the synergistic effect between Pt and Au metals. The abstract should briefly state the problem or purpose of the research, indicate the methodology used, summarize the principal findings and major conclusions.