Electrocatalytic Study of Ethylene Glycol Oxidation on Pt3Sn Alloy Nanoparticles

摘要

Ethylene glycol is a potential feedstock for direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs). The electro-oxidation of ethylene glycol is, however, challenged by poor selectivity toward the complete-oxidation product, CO2. Herein, we report an electrocatalytic study of ethylene glycol oxidation on monodisperse and homogeneous Pt3Sn alloy nanoparticles. The catalytic activity and selectivity toward CO2 are evaluated under potentiostatic conditions by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A comparative study is performed on the alloy catalyst with surface tin (oxide) species removed through an alkaline treatment. By comparing the electrocatalytic performances of the pristine and treated Pt3Sn catalysts, as well as commercial Pt/C, we are able to reveal the distinct roles of surface tin oxide and subsurface metallic tin species in the bimetallic electrocatalyst for complete oxidation of ethylene glycol: the former enhances the cleavage of C-C bond and the latter facilitates oxidative removal of the *CO intermediate.