Dimethoxymethane (DMM) electrooxidation on carbon-supported Pt-based nanosized catalysts for PEMFC

Previous studies on dimethoxymethane (DMM: CH₃OCH₂OCH₃) on platinum poly- and single crystals allowed us to propose a general mechanism of DMM electrooxidation. At the time, making electrodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) with nanoparticles (based on Pt) was encouraged. It is well known that the improvement of Pt activity for electrocatalysis is possible by modifying platinum with other metals able to increase the kinetics of specific steps of the reaction (activation of water for example). Nanosized PtM/C electrocatalysts have been synthesized by the Bönneman method and characterized for DMM electrooxidation. Voltammetry, in situ IRTF spectroscopy and fuel cell tests were carried out to better understand DMM oxidation reaction. Voltammetry and fuel cell tests showed that PtRuMo and PtRu are the most active catalysts at high potential, whereas PtSn and PtMo have a best activity at low potentials. In situ IR experiments allowed the observation of CO_ads and CO₂ bands.