On the oxidation mechanism of C1-C2 organic molecules on platinum. A comparative analysis

Abstract

The rational design of better electrocatalysts for the oxidation of C1–C2 organic molecules requires the detailed knowledge of their oxidation mechanism. Pt single crystals are powerful tools to study, in a simple way, the surface structure effect on the different reaction pathways. Here, the oxidation mechanism of these molecules is compared so that the knowledge gained with the simpler mechanism is transferred in the analysis of the more complex ones. The goal is to design strategies so that the platinum electrodes improve their performance in their oxidation by the appropriate modification with other elements by attacking the bottlenecks in the reaction mechanism. • Similarities and differences between the oxidation mechanisms of C1–C2 molecules are highlighted. • The active pathway of formic acid oxidation through CO 2 requires the adsorption of monodentate formate. • A surface covered by adsorbed OH is required for methanol and ethanol oxidation reactions. • Greater reactivity towards the C–C cleavage by partially oxidizing the α carbon of ethanol molecule.