Methanol electrooxidation on platinum mesh electrodes bonded to solid polymer electrolytes

Methanol electrooxidation on smooth platinum electrodes bonded to solid polymer electrolytes was studied in water and acid solution by voltammetric measurements with different scanning rates. An enhancement of the oxidation rates was observed in these systems as compared to identical platinum electrodes in contact with liquid electrolytes. This electrocatalytic effect strongly depends on the measuring conditions and on the electrode potential. The reasons for the catalytic effects at different potentials are discussed. Received: 8 January 1997 / Accepted: 1 December 1997