Electrochemical synthesis and characterization of carbon-supported Pt and Pt–Ru nanoparticles with Cu cores for CO and methanol oxidation in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2014.06.089
• Publication Date: 2014-07-12T17:00:24Z
• Authors: Griselda Caballer...; Amado Velázquez-P...; Enric Brillas; Francesc Centellas; José Antonio Garrido; Rosa María Rodríguez; Pere-Lluís Cabot
• Keywords: 01 natural sciences; 7. Clean energy; 0104 chemical sciences; 3. Good health

Abstract Pt and Pt–Ru shells on Cu cores supported on Vulcan carbon XC72R have been synthesized and tested as possible anode electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Pt(Cu)/C was prepared by Cu electrodeposition on the black carbon support at constant potential followed by Pt deposition on Cu by galvanic exchange, whereas Pt–Ru(Cu)/C was prepared by spontaneous deposition of Ru species on Pt(Cu)/C. The corresponding cyclic voltammograms in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 solution showed the hydrogen adsorption/desorption peaks and no Cu oxidation. The respective CO stripping peak potentials of Pt(Cu)/C and Pt–Ru(Cu)/C were about 0.1 and 0.2 V more negative than those corresponding to Pt/C and Ru-decorated Pt/C. The best conditions for CO oxidation were found for Cu deposition potentials between −0.2 and −0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl/KCl(sat). The Pt economy of the Pt–Ru(Cu)/C system was proved for the methanol oxidation, with specific currents more than twice those obtained on the Ru-decorated commercial Pt/C catalysts.