Anodic oxidation of anhydrous methanol. [Influence of surface oxides on platinum electrodes in polarization curves]

Journal Article · Tue Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1976 · J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7188464

Belanger, G

The electrooxidation of anhydrous methanol was studied with several electrochemical techniques. The effect of controlled amounts of water in the nonaqueous system was followed. The product analysis confirmed the production of formaldehyde as the predominant reaction product in this nonaqueous system. The addition of controlled quantities of water brings about changes in the polarization curves presumably owing to the formation of oxides on the platinum surface and to the production of formate ions. Strongly adsorbed species are observed at low anodic polarizations in the completely anhydrous system as well as in the presence of water. The exact nature of these species could not be identified but the formation of a polymeric inert film is suspected. The effect of adsorbed sulfur on the platinum working electrode was also examined; the adsorbed sulfur layer is unstable at high anodic potentials and causes an inhibition of the anodic oxidation of methanol or methoxide ion.

• Research Organization: Hydro-Quebec Inst. of Research, Varennes
• OSTI ID: 7188464
• Journal Information: J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 123:6; ISSN JESOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300505* -- Fuel Cells-- Electrochemistry
Mass Transfer & Thermodynamics
ALCOHOL FUEL CELLS
ALCOHOLS
ALDEHYDES
CARBOXYLIC ACID SALTS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
ELEMENTS
FORMALDEHYDE
FORMATES
FUEL CELLS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
METALS
METHANOL
NONMETALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDATION
PERFORMANCE
PLATINUM
PLATINUM METALS
POLARIZATION
SULFUR
TRANSITION ELEMENTS