Hilman Syafei, Raudhatul Hadawiyah, Mulya Muhammad Nur

PtSnNi Trimetallic and Their Catalytic Activities in Ethanol Electrooxidation

Introduction

Ptsnni trimetallic and their catalytic activities in ethanol electrooxidation. Explore PtSnNi trimetallic catalysts synthesized via electrodeposition for enhanced ethanol electrooxidation. Discover how PtSnNi2 optimizes direct ethanol fuel cell performance.

Abstract

The declining availability of fossil fuels and their environmental impacts have driven the search for cleaner, renewable energy alternatives, such as direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs). However, the widespread application of DEFCs faces challenges due to the complex kinetics of ethanol electrooxidation, necessitating the development of effective catalysts. Platinum (Pt) is widely regarded as the most effective catalyst for this process. However, its use is hindered by high costs and susceptibility to poisoning by intermediates formed during the ethanol electrooxidation reaction. To address these issues, the addition of Sn and Ni to the Pt catalyst is expected to enhance its performance. In this study, PtSnNi trimetallics were synthesized using the electrodeposition method. The samples were then characterized using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and electrochemical tests to evaluate their catalytic activity and stability. The SEM image reveals that PtSnNi2 has the smallest particle size compared to other PtSnNi samples. Additionally, the results indicate that PtSnNi2, with a composition of 73% Pt, 26% Sn, and 1% Ni, exhibits the optimal electrolyte concentration, leading to the highest catalytic activity and stability. This is evidenced by the lowest Rct, lowest Ib/If ratio, and highest current density in the ethanol oxidation reaction.

Review

This study addresses a critical challenge in renewable energy: the development of efficient catalysts for direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs). Recognizing the limitations of platinum (Pt), namely its high cost and susceptibility to CO poisoning, the authors propose and investigate PtSnNi trimetallic catalysts. The rationale for adding Sn and Ni to Pt is well-justified, aiming to enhance catalytic activity and stability in ethanol electrooxidation. The research systematically approaches the problem by synthesizing these materials and characterizing their structural and electrochemical properties, thereby contributing to the ongoing search for improved electrocatalysts. The methodology involves the synthesis of PtSnNi trimetallics via electrodeposition, followed by characterization using SEM-EDX for structural and compositional analysis, and electrochemical tests to assess catalytic activity and stability. A significant finding highlighted is that the PtSnNi2 sample, with a specific composition of 73% Pt, 26% Sn, and 1% Ni, demonstrates optimal performance. This optimal activity and stability are supported by compelling electrochemical evidence, including the lowest charge transfer resistance (Rct), the lowest current ratio of reverse to forward scans (Ib/If), and the highest current density during ethanol oxidation. Furthermore, the SEM analysis revealed that this particular PtSnNi2 composition also exhibited the smallest particle size, suggesting a potential correlation between morphology and catalytic efficiency. Overall, this work presents a promising advancement in the field of electrocatalysis for DEFCs. The identification of a specific PtSnNi trimetallic composition with superior catalytic activity and stability is a valuable contribution, offering a tangible direction for future catalyst development. While the abstract effectively outlines the key findings, future full manuscripts would benefit from detailing the specific "optimal electrolyte concentration" identified and providing a deeper mechanistic understanding of how Sn and Ni synergistically enhance Pt's performance. Nonetheless, the reported results lay a solid foundation, providing clear evidence for the potential of PtSnNi trimetallics to overcome the existing limitations of Pt-based catalysts in ethanol electrooxidation.

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