Ethanol Electrooxidation on PtSnNi/C Nanoparticles Prepared in Water-In-Oil Microemulsion

The objective of this study is to investigate the catalytic activity of Pt/C, PtSn/C and PtSnNi/C towards ethanol electrooxidation. Water-in-oil microemulsion method has been used since it has been identified as one of the most powerful technique of catalyst preparation; it allows easily varying and controlling the atomic composition of the catalyst. The nanoparticles obtained were characterized by TEM and EDX techniques, showing a well dispersed material on the carbon support with a narrow distribution of sizes. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry measurements were carried out in acidic medium in the absence and in the presence of ethanol. The water-in-oil microemulsion method was found to be suitable for making active PtSn/C and PtSnNi/C electrocatalysts for ethanol oxidation. The addition of nickel enhances the catalytic activity of PtSn/C electrocatalysts by decreasing onset potential and increasing current density, therefore PtSnNi electrocatalysts represent a promising alternative towards improving ethanol oxidation process.