Synthesis of PtRe electrocatalysts supported on mesoporous carbon for the ethanol oxidation reaction

Mesoporous carbon was synthesized to be employed as support in PtRe anodic electrocatalysts. The catalysts were prepared by the polyol method with the following Re loadings: 1, 3, 5, and 10 wt.%. The N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, thermogravimetric measurements, temperature programmed desorption and temperature programmed reduction of the support were performed and the catalysts were structurally characterized by temperature programmed reduction, H2 chemisorption, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, benzene hydrogenation reaction, and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the electrochemical characterization of the catalysts was carried out by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and CO stripping techniques. The addition of Re leads to a decrease in the CO oxidation onset potential value. The PtRe(3)/MC catalyst exhibited the best electrocatalytic activity, showing an electrochemical active surface area value of 82.5 m2 gPt−1. Moreover, the potential and anodic current values for ethanol oxidation reaction were 889 mV vs Ag/AgCl and 648 mA mgPt−1, respectively. This result is consistent with electronic effects and the smallest particle size found for this catalyst.