Electrochemical behaviour of carbon supported Pt electrocatalysts for H2O2 reduction

Carbon supported bimetallic Pt-alloys (Pt0.75M0.25/C, with M = Ni or Co) are investigated as novel electrode materials for H2O2 reduction in acid solution. The alloy electrocatalysts, Pt0.75Ni0.25/C and Pt0.75Co0.25/C, as well as carbon supported Pt (Pt/C) are characterised using cyclic voltammetry. The electrocatalytic activity of the materials is studied using a rotating disc electrode system with a combination of linear scan voltammetry and chronoamperometry. It is found that the activity of Pt0.75M0.25/C electrocatalysts for H2O2 reduction is comparable to the activity of Pt/C electrocatalyst, with Pt0.75Co0.25/C exhibiting the best performance.

► H2O2 reduction at carbon supported Pt-alloys (Pt0.75M0.25/C, with M = Ni or Co).
► Two-electron reduction at Pt0.75M0.25/C with both “normal” and autocatalytic mechanism.
► Superior activity of Pt0.75M0.25/C alloys for H2O2 reduction in comparison with Pt/C.
►  Highest kinetic current densities at Pt0.75Co0.25/C electrocatalyst.