Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Published on: April 10, 2018
Electrocatalysis of oxygen reduction and small alcohol oxidation in alkaline media
Jacob S Spendelow1, Andrzej Wieckowski
1MPA-11, Sensors and Electrochemical Devices, Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA.
Abstract:
We present here a critical review of several technologically important electrocatalytic systems operating in alkaline electrolytes. These include the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) occurring on catalysts containing Pt, Pd, Ir, Ru, or Ag, the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) occurring on Pt-containing catalysts, and the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) occurring on Ni-Co-Fe alloy catalysts. Each of these catalytic systems is relevant to alkaline fuel cell (AFC) technology, while the ORR systems are also relevant to chlor-alkali electrolysis and metal-air batteries. The use of alkaline media presents advantages both in electrocatalytic activity and in materials stability and corrosion. Therefore, prospects for the continued development of alkaline electrocatalytic systems, including alkaline fuel cells, seem very promising.
Related Concept Videos
Oxidation of Alcohols
The process of oxidation in a chemical reaction is observed in any of the three forms:
Aldehydes and Ketones with Alcohols: Hemiacetal Formation
Oxidative Cleavage of Alkenes: Ozonolysis
Ozone is a symmetrical bent molecule stabilized by a resonance structure.
Radical Oxidation of Allylic and Benzylic Alcohols
Preparation of Aldehydes and Ketones from Alcohols, Alkenes, and Alkynes
Alcohols from Carbonyl Compounds: Reduction
Catalytic hydrogenation is similar to the reduction of an alkene or alkyne by adding H2 across the pi bond in the presence of transition metal catalysts like Raney Ni, Pd–C, Pt, or Ru. Aldehydes and ketones can be reduced by this method, often under mild to moderate heat (25–100°C) and...

