Direct ethanol fuel cell: Electrochemical performance at 90 °C on Pt and PtSn/C electrocatalysts

Carbon-supported Pt-based electrocatalysts were synthesized by Pechini method for the ethanol oxidation (EOR). Physicochemical characterizations were helpful to estimate the diameters of the obtained materials ranging from 2 nm to 5 nm. Main electrochemical experiments were carried out at 90 °C i.e. under the working conditions of performing the single 5 cm2 direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC). Pt80Sn20/C was the anode catalyst which has given the highest power density of 37 mW cm−2. Importantly, the IR spectroscopy measurements associated with the qualitative analysis done at the output of the anodic compartment of the fuel cell have shown that ethanol oxidation on Pt80Sn20/C was mainly a two-electron sustainable process.

► Carbon-supported Pt-based electrocatalysts synthesized by Pechini method.
► Electrocatalytic ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) at 90 °C.
► A single 5 cm2 DEFC delivers a power density of 37 mW cm−2.
► Acetaldehyde is the main oxidation product.