Electrooxidation of 2-propanol and 2-butanol on the Pt–Ni alloy nanoparticles in acidic media

The platinum–nickel nanoparticles carbon-ceramic modified electrode (Pt–Ni/CCE) was used as a potent electrocatalyst for the electrooxidation of 2-propanol and 2-butanol in a mixture of 0.15 M 2-propanol (or 0.15 M 2-butanol) and 0.1 M H2SO4 solutions. The Pt–Ni/CCE catalyst shows excellent electrocatalytic activity for electrooxidation of these fuels in comparison with platinum nanoparticles of carbon-ceramic modified (Pt/CCE) and smooth Pt electrodes due to the presence of Ni atoms in the alloy which enhances the electrocatalytic activity of Pt toward the oxidation of 2-propanol and 2-butanol and reduces the amount of Pt in the anodic material of direct 2-propanol and 2-butanol fuel cells. Furthermore, the Pt–Ni/CCE catalyst has satisfactory stability and reproducibility for the electrooxidation of 2-propanol and 2-butanol in acidic media when stored in ambient conditions or when used in constant potential applying (chronoamperometry) and continuous potential cycling (cyclic voltammetry) which makes it more attractive for alcohol-based fuel cell applications.

Schematic representation of 2-propanol electrooxidation on the Pt–Ni alloy.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Electrocatalytic oxidation of 2-propanol and 2-butanol on the Pt–Ni nanoparticles.
► High stability and reproducibility of the Pt–Ni nanoparticles at the CCE.
► Pt–Ni/CCE as a potent electrocatalyst in the oxidation of alcohols in DAFCs.