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Promoting Effect of CeO2 in the Electrocatalytic Activity of Rhodium for Ethanol Electro-Oxidation

Journal Article · · Journal of Power Sources

The promoting effect of ceria in the electrocatalytic activity of rhodium for ethanol electro-oxidation in alkali media has been studied. Rh/C, CeO2/C and RhCeO2/C catalysts were synthesized and characterized by TEM, XRD, XPS, TG-MS, H2-TPR and XAS. The electrocatalytic activity was studied by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry. The onset potential of oxidation on RhCeO2/C was shifted negatively as compared to that on Rh/C, despite ceria itself does not show any electrocatalytic activity. The promoting effect of ceria has been attributed to the improved rhodium dispersion, and differences in the oxidation state of rhodium between Rh/C and RhCeO2/C were not found. The carbon support reduces rhodium species to Rh0, and also partially reduces ceria, during the samples preparation, and the surface of the carbon support is oxidised.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) National Synchrotron Light Source
Sponsoring Organization:
Doe - Office Of Science
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-98CH10886
OSTI ID:
980411
Report Number(s):
BNL--93329-2010-JA
Journal Information:
Journal of Power Sources, Journal Name: Journal of Power Sources Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 193; ISSN JPSODZ; ISSN 0378-7753
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English