Electrodeposition of a Pt–PrO_2−x electrocatalyst on diamond electrodes for the oxidation of methanol

Abstract

The electrodeposition of Pt–PrO2−x nanostructures on boron‐doped diamond electrodes was explored by decorating platinum nanoparticles with praseodymium oxide, for application as an electrocatalyst in the electrooxidation of methanol in direct methanol fuel cells. A high loading of platinum with good stability was deposited by adopting a two‐stage protocol, which involved a stepped potential route and a chronoamperometric approach. Praseodymium oxide was then coated on the platinum particles from solutions containing praseodymium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide. The porous microstructure of the resulting catalyst was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope, along with electrochemical measurement. The addition of praseodymium oxide to the Pt resulted in a higher catalytic activity profile for methanol oxidation along with an improved resistance to poisoning effects caused by incompletely oxidized carbonaceous species.

Electrochemical aspects of Pt–Cu and Cu modified boron‐doped diamond

“…The electroactive surface area (EAS) of the pure Pt electrocatalyst can be determined from the charge required to oxidise a monolayer of hydrogen on the Pt (111) surface : where the Q H (mC cm −2 ) is the coulombic charge of the hydrogen desorption. The metal loading of platinum can be found by applying Faraday's law (see Table ).…”

“…Boron doped diamond has been received increasing attention since its introduction in 1987 as an electrode and as a catalytic support material due to its unique characteristics. In comparison to other carbon materials boron‐doped diamond (BDD) possesses outstanding properties such as: low background current, high mechanical and electrochemical stability, resistance to fouling and corrosion resistance in a hostile environment; it is also available at economic cost when grown by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) . Diamond electrodes can be modified by depositing nanosized metal or metal oxide clusters .…”

Electrochemically modified boron-doped diamond electrode with Pd and Pd-Sn nanoparticles for ethanol electrooxidation

“…Aside from that, resistance to fouling and corrosion in a hostile environment are also notable. Furthermore, it has quite low production cost when grown by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] . All the aforementioned properties suggest this material as a promising substrate for supporting the catalysts.…”

Modified Diamond Electrodes for Electrochemical Systems for Energy Conversion and Storage

“…The preparation of Pt-PrO 2-x electrocatalyst structures on diamond electrodes using electrodeposition techniques was explored by Chen et al [64]. Pt was first electrodeposited on the diamond surface using a two-stage process involving PSD followed by a potentiostatic stage.…”