Study of core–shell platinum-based catalyst for methanol and ethylene glycol oxidation

A Rucore–Ptshell, XC72-supported catalyst was synthesized in a two-step process: first, by deposition of Ru on XC72 by the polyol process and then by deposition of Pt on the XC72-supported Ru, with NaBH4 as reducing agent. The structure and composition of this core–shell catalyst were determined by EDS, XPS, TEM and XRD. Electrochemical characterization was determined with the use of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The methanol and ethylene glycol oxidation activities of the core–shell catalyst were studied at 80 °C and compared to those of a commercial catalyst. It was found to be significantly better (in terms of A g−1 of Pt) in the case of methanol oxidation and worse in the case of ethylene glycol oxidation. Possible reasons for the lower ethylene glycol oxidation activity of the core–shell catalyst are discussed.