Formation of Pt–Li alloy and its activity towards formic acid oxidation

• Electrodeposition of Li on Pt produces Pt–Li alloy.
• This alloy is evidently stable in acidic solution after dissolution process.
• The catalytic activity of formic acid oxidation of the alloy is superior to that of pure Pt.
• Electronic and geometric effects are suggested as the reasons for the enhanced activity.

The electrodeposition of Li on Pt electrode in propylene carbonate leads to a formation of Pt–Li alloy in which Li atoms deeply penetrate into the Pt lattice structure. Its electrocatalysis for formic acid oxidation is superior to that of pure Pt electrode, which originates from its geometric and electronic peculiarities.