Electrocatalytic activity of graphene-supported Pt-Cu catalysts prepared by an impregnation method for methanol and ethanol oxidations

Abstract

In this study, platinum (Pt) and Pt-copper (Cu) nanoparticles were synthesized on graphene sheets by an impregnation method, and their electrocatalytic activity for methanol and ethanol oxidations was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Experimental results demonstrate that, in comparison to graphene-supported Pt, graphene-supported Pt-Cu catalyst possesses enhanced efficiency for both methanol and ethanol electro-oxidations, which is reflected by a higher forward oxidation peak current density and a lower transfer resistance. This study indicates that Pt-Cu catalyst could be desirable catalyst candidates for both direct methanol and ethanol fuel cells.

Department(s)

Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1149/05328.0031ecst

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Journal Title

ECS Transactions

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