Enhanced electrooxidation of formic acid at Ta2O5-modified Pt electrode

A novel electrocatalyst, Ta2O5-modified Pt, for the oxidation of formic acid (HCOOH) was prepared by electrodeposition of Ta on Pt electrode from ionic liquid and the subsequent calcination. The modified electrode shows an excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the direct oxidation of formic acid to CO2. The enhancement is attributed to the strong metal–oxide interaction between Pt and Ta2O5 as well as the OH− spillover effect of the Ta2O5-modified Pt electrode, which greatly accelerates the electrooxidation of formic acid. The possible reaction mechanism is proposed.