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Decoupling electrolyte ageing and surface restructuring in alkaline ethanol electrooxidation on Pt-Au electrodes
Chaoyang Jiang1, Zuyao Li1, Jing Li1
1State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211816, China. zeng@njtech.edu.cn.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Alkaline ethanol electrooxidation on Pt-Au/NF catalysts degrades due to alkalinity loss and acetaldehyde/acetate buildup. This study identifies key factors limiting catalyst performance and durability in alkaline media.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Ethanol electrooxidation is a key process for clean energy applications.
- Platinum-gold (Pt-Au) alloys on nickel foam (NF) are promising electrocatalysts.
- Catalyst stability in alkaline media remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the degradation mechanisms of Pt-Au/NF electrocatalysts during alkaline ethanol electrooxidation.
- To identify the primary causes of performance decay.
- To provide insights for developing more durable electrocatalysts.
Main Methods:
- Electrochemical characterization techniques (e.g., cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry).
- In-situ/ex-situ spectroscopic analyses to study surface species.
- Electrolyte analysis to monitor changes in pH and composition.
Main Results:
- Performance decay is linked to electrolyte-mediated losses and adsorbate-associated surface restructuring.
- Alkalinity loss in the electrolyte significantly impacts catalytic activity.
- Accumulation of acetaldehyde and acetate species on the catalyst surface leads to deactivation.
Conclusions:
- Alkalinity loss and adsorbate accumulation are the main culprits for Pt-Au/NF catalyst decay in alkaline ethanol electrooxidation.
- Understanding these degradation pathways is crucial for designing robust electrocatalysts.
- Strategies to mitigate alkalinity loss and adsorbate poisoning are needed for practical applications.
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