Preparation and electrocatalytic properties of Pt–SiO2 nanocatalysts for ethanol electrooxidation

Due to their high stability in general acidic solutions, SiO2 nanoparticles were selected as the second catalyst for ethanol oxidation in sulfuric acid aqueous solution. Pt–SiO2 nanocatalysts were prepared in this paper. The micrography and elemental composition of Pt–SiO2 nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, respectively. The electrocatalytic properties of Pt–SiO2 nanocatalysts for ethanol oxidation were investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Under the same Pt loading mass and experimental conditions for ethanol oxidation, Pt–SiO2 nanocatalysts show higher activity than PtRu/C (E-Tek), Pt/C (E-Tek), and Pt catalysts. Additionally, Pt–SiO2 nanocatalysts possess good anti-poisoning ability. The results indicate that Pt–SiO2 nanocatalysts may have good potential applications in direct ethanol fuel cells.

Due to good stability in general acidic solution, SiO2 nanoparticles were selected as the second catalyst for ethanol oxidation in sulfuric acid aqueous solution. Pt–SiO2 nanocatalysts with 1–2 nm show higher electrocatalytic activity than PtRu/C (E-Tek), Pt/C (E-Tek), and Pt catalysts.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide