Copper nanoparticle modified chain-like platinum nanocomposites for electro-oxidation of C1-, C2-, and C3- type alcohols

The design of efficient, durable and inexpensive electrocatalysts is of great importance in the development of direct alcohol fuel cells, a clean energy source. In this context, in this study, chain-like platinum-copper (PtCu) nanoparticles were synthesised by chemical reduction method to be used in alcohol oxidation studies. X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD) of the synthesised nanoparticles showed the formation of PtCu crystal structure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis showed the formation of chain-like PtCu structures and particles with an average size of 4.04 nm. These PtCu nanocomposite structures were used in electro oxidation studies of ethanol, methanol and 2-propanol. As a result of the oxidation studies, anodic peak currents of 253.1 mA cm−2, 187.7 mA cm−2, 37.2 mA cm−2 were obtained for methanol, ethanol and 2-propanol, respectively. It was also observed that PtCu has a higher electrochemically active surface area than bare Pt and is more tolerant to CO. The results showed that the synthesised catalyst showed very high electrocatalytic activity and stability in alcohol fuel cells. With this study, important results have been given for the stability problem, which is one of the biggest problems in fuel cells.