High efficient electrooxidation of formic acid at a novel Pt–indole composite catalyst prepared by electrochemical self-assembly

Self-assembly of Pt and indole into a novel composite catalyst on a glassy carbon electrode (GC) has been developed by a one-step electrodeposition in the presence of 3.0 mM H2PtCl6 and 0.1 mM indole. Compared to Pt/GC and Pt/C, the novel Pt–indole composite catalyst exhibits higher catalytic activity and stronger poisoning tolerance for electrooxidation of formic acid. The adsorption strength of CO on the prepared Pt–indole composite catalyst is greatly weakened as demonstrated by CO stripping voltammograms. Because of its advantageous catalytic activity and poisoning tolerance, the novel Pt–indole composite catalyst is anticipated to find interesting applications in many important fields such as energy and catalysis.