Electrocatalytic oxidation of formic acid and formaldehyde on platinum nanoparticles decorated carbon-ceramic substrate

Electrochemical characteristics of formic acid (FM) and formaldehyde (FM) oxidation on a potent catalyst, platinum nanoparticles supported on carbon-ceramic substrate (CC/Pt), were investigated via cyclic voltammetric and chronoamperometric analysis in mixed 0.75 M FM (or 0.75 M FM) and 0.1 M H2SO4 solutions. The results were compared to those at a polycrystalline platinum electrode and platinum particles deposited on platinum and glassy carbon electrodes. It was found that CC/Pt was catalytically more active than smooth platinum and platinum particles supported on platinum and glassy carbon electrodes. On the other hand, such nanoparticles on CC substrate exhibit better catalytic behavior towards FA and FM than the corresponding platinum and glassy carbon electrodes, which is raised form high porosity of CC substrate for better distribution of platinum particles and to produce of platinum particles in nano size. The effect of some experimental factors was studied and optimum conditions were suggested. Finally, the long-term stability of the modified electrode has also been investigated. These results indicate that the system studied in the present work is the most promising system for use in fuel cells.