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State and action of the tin atoms in platinum--tin catalysts for methanol fuel cells

Journal Article · · J. Catal.; (United States)
The behavior of platinum-tin electrodes in cyclic voltammetry in pure acid and the kinetics of methanol oxidation on these electrodes have been studied. By using the cyclic voltammetry technique it was possible to demonstrate that the tin atoms are present in the zero-valent state and hence are not acting as a cocatalyst via a redox couple between their oxidic forms. It is furthermore shown that the zero-valent tin atoms influence the adsorption properties of the platinum atoms. The enhancement in methanol oxidation rate on platinum-tin electrodes is explained in terms of a ''ligand'' effect.
Research Organization:
Shell Research B.V., Amsterdam
OSTI ID:
7260660
Journal Information:
J. Catal.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Catal.; (United States) Vol. 46:3; ISSN JCTLA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English