Synthesis of Pt-Au nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide as a highly active and durability catalyst for electro-oxidation of ethanol

Design of advanced electrocatalyst, with high active and stability in electro-oxidation reactions for Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells system is urgent scientific need in the context of electrochemical energy application. Herein, Pt-Au nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide, with low content of metals (With the theoretical content of 1.87% (Au) and 4.67% (Pt)), as a highly active and durability catalyst for electro-oxidation of ethanol is successfully synthesized. The current density (mass specific activity) of the PtAu/rGO catalyst for electro-oxidation ethanol, in alkaline media, was 13195 mA mgPt-1, which is 1.26 times higher than that of the Pt/rGO catalyst. After 4000s, the current density of PtAu/rGO catalyst reached 317 mA mgPt-1, is higher than that of Pt/rGO catalyst, reaching 172 mA mgPt-1. The high catalytic activity and stability of the bimetallic PtAu/rGO catalyst in the electrochemical oxidation of ethanol in alkaline medium are attributed to the synergistic effect of Au, Pt and rGO, among which, Au not only plays the role of enhancing the dispersion of Pt, but also has the effect of preventing the agglomeration of Pt nanoparticles during the reaction. This research could open up the potential to develop advanced bimetallic PtAu materials that can be used as electrochemical catalysts for various reactions.