Preparation and characterization of Pt/C catalysts stabilized by ethylene glycol

Pt/C catalysts with narrow size distribution and high dispersion were prepared by NaBH₄ and ethylene glycol (EG) reduction methods, separately, using EG as both the solvent and stabilizing agent. Their morphology, composition, structure and electrochemically active specific surface area (ECSA) were characterized and compared. Electrocatalytic activities of the two catalysts for oxidation of methanol or ethanol were tested. The two catalysts present narrow size distribution, high dispersion, face centred cubic structure of Pt, and comparative Pt-mass based activities for electro-oxidation of methanol and ethanol. The Pt/C catalyst prepared by NaBH₄ reduction method has more metallic Pt (Pt°) and more crystal face Pt (220), its Pt electrochemical surface area (Pt ECAS) based anodic peak current densities for methanol and ethanol oxidations are 0.68 and 0.67 mA/cm², 1.2 times higher than those of the Pt/C catalyst prepared by EG reduction method, respectively. Their electrocatalytic activities for methanol and ethanol are comparable with those of commercial E-TEK catalysts.