Electrooxidation of C1 organic molecules on Pt electrodes

C1 molecules are potential alternative fuels for fuel cells, with a higher volume-specific energy density than hydrogen, and with higher energy conversion efficiencies than heavier organic molecules like ethanol, because their oxidation does not require the rupture of any C-C bonds. However, the development of economically competitive direct C1 fuel cells is hampered by CO poisoning and by the necessity to employ Pt-based electrocatalysts. Reducing CO poisoning to a tolerable level and developing cheaper and durable electrocatalysts requires a deep knowledge of the reaction mechanism on Pt, the archetypal electrocatalyst. In this brief review we summarise current knowledge in this field.