Abstract

Carbon-supported PtCu and PtSn (both with an atomic ratio of 3:1) nanoparticles were prepared by reducing Pt, Sn, and Cu precursors via refluxing in ethanol. They were characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray diffraction indicated that the lattice parameter of Pt increases with the addition of Sn and decreases with the addition of Cu, indicating that both PtCu and PtSn are solid solutions. EDX analysis revealed that the compositions of these materials are close to their nominal compositions, while TEM showed that both materials presented a homogeneous particle distribution on the carbon support and low particle agglomeration. Electrochemical experiments indicated that all of the materials are electrochemically active with respect to methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol oxidation in H2SO4 solution. The electrochemical measurements also showed that PtSn is more active in ethanol oxidation, whereas PtCu is more active in methanol oxidation. Both materials showed similar electrooxidative activities towards propanol and butanol, and they presented higher electrochemical acidities than pure platinum for alcohol oxidation.

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.