Graphene-like materials as an alternative to carbon Vulcan support for the electrochemical reforming of ethanol: Towards a complete optimization of the anodic catalyst

Boosting the Electrolysis of Monosaccharide-Based Streams in an Anion-Exchange Membrane Cell

“…Monometallic and bimetallic anodic electrocatalysts were synthesized using the modified polyol method, which was previously demonstrated in our group to be suitable for obtaining small crystallite sizes in PtNi and PtCo electrocatalysts. , A metal loading of 40 wt % was established for all electrocatalysts, which was demonstrated to be optimal in terms of electrochemical activity and durability on GNPs, according to a previous work from our group involving the electrochemical reforming of ethanol …”

“…Catalytic inks were prepared according to previous studies of our group. ,, In the case of inks for three-electrode cell testing, 2 mg of the anodic catalyst, 8 μL of Nafion 5 wt % ionomer solution, 250 μL of deionized water, and 750 μL of 2-propanol were mixed and ultrasonicated (110 W/50–60 Hz, Selecta) for 3 h. Inks were continuously stirred to maintain a homogeneous suspension. Inks used in the AEM electrolyzer were prepared by mixing a certain amount of the cathodic or the synthesized anodic electrocatalysts with the ionomer solution (ionomer solution/catalyst mass ratio of 3.64) and enough of 2-propanol.…”

“…Monometallic and bimetallic anodic electrocatalysts were synthesized using the modified polyol method, which was previously demonstrated in our group to be suitable for obtaining small crystallite sizes in PtNi and PtCo electrocatalysts. 17,18 A metal loading of 40 wt % was established for all electrocatalysts, which was demonstrated to be optimal in terms of electrochemical activity and durability on GNPs, according to a previous work from our group involving the electrochemical reforming of ethanol. 17 First, a certain amount of the precursor salts (H 2 PtCl 6H 2 O) and 400 mg of NaOH were added to 50 mL of ethylene glycol to obtain a NaOH concentration of 0.2 M. This mixture was stirred at 500 rpm for 1 h to dissolve the solids and subsequently heated to 190 °C for 2 h to complete the reduction of precursor salts into metals.…”

“…17,18 A metal loading of 40 wt % was established for all electrocatalysts, which was demonstrated to be optimal in terms of electrochemical activity and durability on GNPs, according to a previous work from our group involving the electrochemical reforming of ethanol. 17 First, a certain amount of the precursor salts (H 2 PtCl 6H 2 O) and 400 mg of NaOH were added to 50 mL of ethylene glycol to obtain a NaOH concentration of 0.2 M. This mixture was stirred at 500 rpm for 1 h to dissolve the solids and subsequently heated to 190 °C for 2 h to complete the reduction of precursor salts into metals. Then, the GNPs support was added to the hot solution and left to cool down to room temperature under stirring for 48 h, hence allowing the metal particles to settle on the support.…”

“…The selection of this carbonaceous support was based on a previous study from our group, where the use of GNPs in a Pt (20 wt %) anodic catalyst led to superior activity and stability in ethanol electro-oxidation in comparison to when the extensive Vulcan XC-72 was used. This was ascribed to a higher BET surface area and a higher content of nitrogen (which may act as doping agent) than the other supports . Then, the most active and stable bimetallic electrocatalyst was selected to optimize the Pt:M mass ratio to enhance the electro-oxidation of the monosaccharide, which provided the best results.…”