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Pulsed Electrodeposition of Highly Porous Pt Alloys for use in Methanol, Formic Acid, and Glucose Fuel Cells
Author(s) -
Frei Maxi,
Köhler Christian,
Dietel Lisa,
Martin Julian,
Wiedenmann Felix,
Zengerle Roland,
Kerzenmacher Sven
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemelectrochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.182
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 2196-0216
DOI - 10.1002/celc.201800035
Subject(s) - materials science , alloy , electrolyte , formic acid , anode , chemical engineering , fabrication , methanol , electroplating , stripping (fiber) , porosity , noble metal , catalysis , electrocatalyst , electrophoretic deposition , metal , metallurgy , electrode , electrochemistry , nanotechnology , chemistry , composite material , chromatography , medicine , biochemistry , alternative medicine , organic chemistry , pathology , layer (electronics) , engineering , coating
We demonstrate an electrodeposition process for the fabrication of highly porous PtCu alloy anodes. In the fabrication process, Pt and different amounts of a second noble metal (Pd, Ru, Au) are repeatedly co‐deposited with Cu from an aqueous electrolyte, followed by selective dealloying of Cu. In this way, highly porous PtCu alloys with roughness factors ranging from 400 to 4000 can be obtained. In all cases, both noble‐metal partners are present on the electrode surface, whereas the majority of copper is likely buried underneath. In addition, we can show that H desorption and CO stripping yield substantially different roughness factors, even when applied to PtCu anodes. Hence, when using or comparing results from different stripping methods, a calibration is required. Compared to PtCu anodes, small additions of Ru (ca. 3 at% Ru) lead to significantly enhanced catalytic activity for the electro‐oxidation of formic acid and methanol, whereas Au‐rich PtCu−Au alloys (ca. 75 at% Au) exhibit significantly improved electrocatalytic activity for glucose oxidation. In some cases, large variations impede the identification of significant differences in electrocatalytic activity. To reduce process variability and to increase the specific surface area, further optimization of the fabrication process is required. Similarly, the deposition of defined alloy compositions will require further investigation, as the composition of electrolyte and deposited alloy do not directly correspond.