Polyhydroxylated fullerenes: An efficient support for Pt electrocatalysts toward ethanol oxidation

Here, we study the electrocatalytic activity of Pt/C60(OH)x composite catalysts towards ethanol oxidation in acid media. The Pt nanoparticles were deposited onto the various polyhydroxy fullerenes (C60(OH)x) supports synthesized in this study (x varying from 8 to 36). Among all the Pt/C60(OH)x composites, the Pt/C60(OH)24–27 displays the highest specific activity and the lowest ethanol oxidation onset potential. Chronoamperometric tests reveal that the Pt/C60(OH)24–27 is the most stable catalyst during ethanol oxidation, reaching current densities 2-fold higher than the commercial Pt/C catalyst. In situ FTIR results point that the Pt/C60(OH)24–27 catalyst is more efficient in breaking the CC bond than the commercial catalyst. The improved catalytic activity of this material may be due to the ability of fullerenol to produce reactive oxygen species. In summary, the developed catalysts are promising alternatives for low-temperature fuel cells. •Pt/C60(OH)x composites were synthesized by chemical reduction in aqueous media.•The activity of the Pt/C60(OH)x catalysts towards ethanol oxidation was evaluated.•The characteristics and properties of C60(OH)x influence their catalytic performance.•The Pt/C60(OH)24–27 displayed higher catalytic activity than the commercial Pt/C.•Pt/C60(OH)24–27 is more efficient in breaking the CC bond than the Pt/C catalyst.