Effect of Pt/Au atomic ratio in active-carbon-supported Au–Pt catalysts on its cathodic performance in direct formic acid fuel cells

An active-carbon-supported Au–Pt catalyst (Au–Pt/C) with different Pt/Au atomic ratios was prepared, and the effect of Pt/Au atomic ratio on the electrocatalytic performance of the Au–Pt/C in direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC), similar to the oxygen reduction ability and tolerance to formic acid, was investigated. Compared with the Au/C catalyst, the Au–Pt/C catalyst exhibits better electrocatalytic performance toward the reduction of oxygen. With the increase of Pt/Au atomic ratio from 0/50 to 2/48, the Au–Pt/C catalyst shows excellent electrocatalytic ability and formic acid tolerance. However, when the Pt/Au atomic ratio is further raised to 3/47, the formic acid tolerance of the Au–Pt/C is decreased. As a result, the Au–Pt/C catalyst with a Pt/Au atomic ratio of 2/48 is an appropriate cathodic catalyst in DFAFC.