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Title: Enhancing catalytic activity of rhodium towards methanol electro-oxidation in both acidic and alkaline media by alloying with iron

Journal Article · · Electrochimica Acta
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [1]
  1. P. J. Safarik Univ., Kosice (Slovak Republic)
  2. Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Lemont, IL (United States)
  3. Slovak Academy of Sciences, Kosice (Slovak Republic)

The methanol electrooxidation catalysts in the form of Rh and FeRh thin films were prepared by magnetron sputtering deposition. To activate the FeRh catalyst, the as-prepared FeRh films were cycled in 0.1 M HClO4 electrolyte in potential window from -0.25 V to 0.8 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The dissolution of Fe atoms during the cycling leads to the formation of Rh-skeleton surface. Obtained FeRh catalysts exhibit significantly enhanced activity to methanol electrooxidation in both acidic and alkaline environments comparing to pure Rh catalyst. The optimal concentration of Fe is found to be 50%. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy investigations show the higher rate of methanol dehydrogenation as well as better tolerance to CO intermediates poisoning of the FeRh catalysts. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that Rh-based catalysts can be considered as alternative to Pt-based catalysts.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
1577113
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1573839
Journal Information:
Electrochimica Acta, Vol. 330, Issue C; ISSN 0013-4686
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 10 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science