Production of Pt decorated poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/ERGO/GCEas an efficient catalyst for methanol oxidation reaction

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, Pt‐decorated poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) electrocatalyst was uniformly coated electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) layer on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) has been created using appropriate procedures to facilitate the implementation of the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). This multi‐layer catalyst was characterized in each production step via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive x‐ray analysis (FESEM‐EDX) morphological analysis beside the electrochemical tests. The favorable structures of both ERGO and PEDOT increase conductivity and electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation, which may create a suitable matrix for Pt loading thanks to the formation of much more active centers for methanol electrooxidation. The results demonstrate that the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) of Pt/PEDOT/ERGO/GCE was 39.1 m2 g−1, and it has a convenient mass activity (MA with 467 mA mg Pt−1) compared to that of commercial Pt/C. According to chronoamperometric analysis, the current density of Pt/PEDOT/ERGO/GCE was stable during the 1200 s of operation. It demonstrated remarkable stability with a final current density of 4.36 mA cm−2.