Use of PtAu/C electrocatalysts toward formate oxidation: electrochemical and fuel cell considerations

This study reports the use of PtAu/C electrocatalysts with different atomic ratios (90:10, 70:30 and 50:50) supported on Vulcan XC 72 carbon and prepared by the sodium borohydride method toward formate electro-oxidation in alkaline media. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, showing peaks characteristics of Pt and Au face-centered-cubic structures, and also by transmission electron micrographs that show the nanoparticles well dispersed on carbon and a mean particle size between 4 and 5 nm for all electrocatalysts. Electrochemical experiments show PtAu/C as promising catalysts toward formate oxidation, while single cell experiments reveal PtAu/C 90:10 as the best material since it provides a power density higher than Pt/C. The incorporation of Au could increase formate oxidation for more than one reason: (i) a facilitated rupture of C–H bond; (ii) the Au/oxide interface or (iii) by regenerating active sites.