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Ethanol oxidation on Pt single-crystal electrodes: surface-structure effects in alkaline medium.
Carlos Busó-Rogero1, Enrique Herrero, Juan M Feliu
1Instituto de Electroquímica, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo. 99, E-03080, Alicante (Spain), Fax: (+34) 965903537.
Ethanol oxidation on platinum electrodes in alkaline solution shows reversed activity compared to acidic media. Electrode deactivation is linked to acetaldehyde formation and adsorption.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Surface Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Ethanol oxidation is crucial for fuel cells.
- Understanding electrode behavior in alkaline media is vital.
- Previous studies focused on acidic electrolytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate ethanol oxidation on single-crystal electrodes in 0.1 M NaOH.
- Determine electrode activity trends and deactivation mechanisms.
- Correlate electrochemical data with surface species identification.
Main Methods:
- Electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry).
- Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for surface species analysis.
- Studies on various platinum single-crystal electrodes.
Main Results:
- Electrode activity order differs significantly from acidic solutions.
- Platinum (111) exhibits highest current and onset potential.
- Onset potential correlates with hydroxyl (OH) adsorption.
- Minimal carbon monoxide (CO) and carbonate detected, indicating limited C-C bond cleavage.
- Rapid electrode deactivation observed upon cycling.
- Deactivation linked to acetaldehyde formation, polymerization, and surface adsorption.
Conclusions:
- Ethanol oxidation in alkaline media favors pathways with intact C-C bonds.
- Hydroxyl adsorption plays a key role in initiating ethanol oxidation.
- Acetaldehyde formation and adsorption are primary causes of electrode deactivation.
- Pt(111) is a promising electrode material but requires strategies to mitigate deactivation.
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