Work

Electroreforming of methanol employing in-house prepared PtRu/C anode catalysts for hydrogen generation at the cathode

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The increasing global energy demand and the environmental impacts of fossil fuel consumption have driven the exploration of sustainable energy alternatives. Hydrogen is a promising clean energy carrier, particularly when produced via renewable-powered electrolysis. However, the efficiency of conventional water electrolysis is limited by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This study explores methanol electrooxidation as a more energy-efficient anodic alternative to OER in hydrogen generation systems. We synthesized 50 wt% Pt₁Ru₁ catalysts supported on Ketjenblack carbon (PtRu/C) via two sulphite-complex-based routes: (i) sequential impregnation of Ru onto preformed Pt-sulphite complexes, and (ii) direct mixing of Pt- and Ru-sulphite precursors. The resulting catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to assess their crystallinity, phase composition, morphology, and surface properties. The electrochemical performance was evaluated through methanol electroreforming experiments conducted in a membrane–electrode assembly (MEA) configuration. Full-cell tests conducted at 90 °C revealed an initial enhancement in performance for the catalyst with Ru impregnated onto Pt-sulphite, despite the presence of some non-alloyed Ru particles. In contrast, the PtRu/C-based MEA prepared by mixing Pt- and Ru-sulphite exhibited superior durability during a 24-h chronopotentiometric test, likely due to Pt Ru alloy formation and the enhanced stability of Ru within the alloy. These results confirm the potential of optimized PtRu/C systems for efficient hydrogen production via methanol electroreforming and highlight the importance of synthesis strategy in tuning electrocatalyst performance and durability.

Source: Inorganica Chimica Acta

DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2025.123028

Authors: Carmelo Lo Vecchio, Angelo Mondello, Riccardo Dollenz, Erminia Mosca, Vincenzo Baglio

Institution: Institute for Advanced Energy Technologies

Language: English

Topic: Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,830