Multi-layer graphene powder (without metal nanoparticles) booster carbon supported platinum-tin electrocatalyst for the ethanol oxidation reactions

The Fuel Cell developments during recent years due to the world search renewable energy sources, has brought greats advantages to the devices. The world search for renewable energy sources brought great development to Fuel Cells during recent years. Nevertheless, the wide-scale use of these devices lacks the easiness production methods. This study investigated the blend of electrocatalyst and graphene powder aiming higher electrochemical activity in ethanol oxidation. The graphene powder obtained by thermal expansion was physically mixed with electrocatalyst PtSn/C synthesized by chemical reduction and the electrochemical activity of the electrocatalyst was tested in a three electrodes electrochemical cell. The results showed that the graphene amount without metal nanoparticles can directly influences in catalytic activity, increasing the current density of electrocatalyst. Furthermore, the durability and electrochemical characteristics are also enhanced, achieving best performance at 10-wt% graphene amounts. Promoting an enhancement of 34 % in the current density in acid (238.07 mA·mg Pt −1 ), and 10 % in the alkaline electrolyte (225.24. mA·mg Pt −1 ), in comparison to the standard electrocatalyst (without graphene). Therefore, this method has proven itself as simple and powerful toward enhancement of ethanol oxidation reactions. • Graphene booster the ethanol oxidation reaction on PtSn/C catalysts. • Graphene improve PtSn/C electrochemical activity toward ethanol oxidation reaction in acid and alkaline media. • PtSn/C dopped with low weigh % graphene improve the electrochemical activity surface area and ethanol oxidation reaction.