Efficient C-C bond cleavage in ethanol electrooxidation on porous Pt catalysts

► Porous film Pt electrode with varied roughness was electrodeposited. ► Porous Pt electrode as efficient catalyst for C-C cleavage in ethanol electrooxidation in acidic medium. ► Higher Pt surface roughness favors the formation of CO2 via efficient C-C cleavage. ► Higher Pt surface roughness inhibits the formation of soluble product as acetaldehyde and acetic acid.