Kinetics of direct ethanol fuel cell based on Pt-PoPD nano particle anode catalyst

The poly(o-phenylenediamine) (PoPD) film was synthesized on the carbon ceramic electrode (CCE) surface and then platinum nano-particles were incorporated into the polymer matrix. Next the Pt|PoPD|CCE was used for ethanol electrooxidation in H2SO4 solution by different electrochemical techniques and the results compared with Pt|CCE. The electrocatalysts were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and cyclic voltammetry (Cv). In continuation the kinetic parameters of ethanol oxidation, i.e. reaction orders for ethanol and H+, Tafel slope and activation energy (Ea) were determined on Pt|PoPD|CCE. Finally, chronoamperometric (CA) experiment was used for calculating of the anodic rate constant and fractal dimension. The Pt|PoPD|CCE showed high mass activity for ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) in comparison with Pt|CCE.

► Pt modified PoPD|CCE was prepared & the kinetic parameters of EOR determined on it.
► The presence of PoPD reduces the Pt particles size & increases Pt specific surface.
► Pt|PoPD|CCE showed high mass activity for EOR than Pt|CCE.
► The Ea of EOR reduces by the presence of PoPD, indicating good poisoning tolerance.