Investigation of Graphene Supported Platinum-Cobalt Nanocomposites as Electrocatalysts for Ethanol Oxidation

Abstract

Graphene supported PtCo catalysts with the Pt:Co molar ratios equal to 1:1, 1:7 and 1:44 were fabricated by means of the rapid microwave heating method. A shape and size of catalyst particles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy. The structure and composition of the synthesized catalysts were examined by X-ray diffraction and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic activity of the synthesized catalysts toward the oxidation of ethanol in an alkaline medium was investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry and chrono-techniques. It has been determined that the graphene supported PtCo catalyst with a Pt:Co molar ratio equal to 1:7 exhibits highest electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation reaction of ethanol as compared with those at the graphene supported bare Co and PtCo catalysts with Pt:Co molar ratios equal to 1:1 and 1:44.