Thin layer vs. nanoparticles: Effect of SnO2 addition to PtRhNi nanoframes for ethanol oxidation reaction

When designing catalysts for direct ethanol fuel cell applications (DEFC), four main parameters must be considered: shape, structure, size, and chemical composition. According to this knowledge, it is assumed that polyhedral hollow Pt-based nanoframes, with the addition of Rh SnO2 a size below 50 nm, could promising nanocatalysts anode DEFC. In work, two different PtRhNi/SnO2 nanoframes-based are obtained. First consists PtRhNi nanoframes covered small, about 3 nanoparticles (PtRhNi/SnO2 NPs); second thin incomplete layer TL). Both were tested toward oxidation reaction (EOR) show higher activity in comparison without (PtRhNi NFs) commercially used Pt nanoparticles. Especially, electrochemical durability stability obtained tested. It was shown both develop similar mass specific activity, as well nearly same onset potential, but their significantly different. turns out, catalyst based on susceptible degradation, while consisting much more durable an efficient EOR.