Pt-Sn/C, Pt-Cu/C, and Pt-Sn-Cu/C catalysts for enhanced alcohol oxidation: a comparative study of methanol, ethanol and propanol

The development of higher efficiency Direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFC) is directly related to electrochemical properties. The main studies focus on electrocatalyst enhancement, although alcohol chain structure and electrolyte influences in the current generation. This paper describes the suitable alcohol structure and electrolyte for high efficiency oxidation reactions by a simple synthesis electrocatalyst Platinum based materials. Copper in electrocatalysts increases the current density of methanol, ethanol and propanol oxidation in alkaline and acid electrolytes, respectively. While the best ethanol performance was obtained Platinum-Tin-Copper in acid, and Copper addition in material in alkaline electrolyte.