Pt-Based Electrocatalysts for the Electrooxidation of C2-C4 Alcohols: Current Status and Future Challenges

Abstract

Concerning the design and production of Pt-based electrocatalysts, scientific research has been concentrated on obtaining materials with high electrocatalytic activity, greater durability, high selectivity and low noble metal loading. Recently, a series of novel nanostructured Pt-based materials containing inexpensive and earth-abundant transition metals and small amounts of platinum have been evaluated as electrocatalysts for the electrooxidation of ethanol, ethylene glycol, glycerol and other alcohols in both acid and alkaline environments. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the most relevant literature and novel research in nanostructured Pt-based electrocatalysts for low-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells directly fed by C2-C4 alcohols. The present survey is primarily motivated by the need for developing new and better-performing electrocatalysts for direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) due to the enormous worldwide demand for increasing the zero-emission energy production. At present, the major challenges that have to be overcome for a massive production and commercialization of the DAFC technology for stationary, portable and transportation applications are the high cost and scarcity of noble metals, the deficient activity and selectivity of anode electrocatalysts and the long-term stability of the electrodes at temperatures compatible with available ionomeric membranes. In recent years, several strategies have been undertaken for improving the catalytic properties of Pt-based systems and for enhancing the noble metal utilization.