A Pt3Sn/C Electrocatalyst Used as the Cathode and Anode in a Single Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell

Abstract

This paper presents a study involving the use of Pt 3 Sn/C electrocatalysts as cathodes and anodes in a single direct ethanol fuel cell. First, we studied the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) using commercial Pt/C from ETEK and Pt 3 Sn/C as electrocatalysts with an alloy degree of 92 %. The electrocatalytic activity of the material for oxygen reduction was assessed using the rotating disk electrode technique (RDE). When Pt 3 Sn was tested for ORR in the presence of ethanol, the results showed greater tolerance to the cross-over effect than Pt/C in the electrochemical cell. The experiments in a single direct ethanol fuel cell showed that without oxygen pressurization of the cell, the maximum power density is higher using Pt 3 Sn/C as both cathode and anode than using Pt 3 Sn as an anode and Pt/C as a cathode. When using Pt 3 Sn/C as both the cathode and anode in a direct ethanol fuel cell, cell performance enhances.

Electrooxidation of Mixed Ethanol and Methanol Solutions on PtSn/C Electrocatalysts Prepared by the Polymeric Precursor Method

“…Soc. 1092 Thus, Wongyao et al 23 suggested that different proportions of PtSn/C can be used as electrocatalysts because an anode composed of this material will selectively adsorb ethanol.Taking into account previous studies, 14,24,25 PtSn/C (3:1) with an alloy degree of approximately 92% was one of the best materials reported for ethanol oxidation. Additionally, to optimize the DAFC performance using mixed alcohols (i.e., ethanol and methanol) the electrocatalyst used for the anode must selectively adsorb an alcohol, especially ethanol (e.g., PtSn/C (3:1)).…”