FORMIC-ACID OXIDATION ON BIMETALLIC ELECTRODES

The electro-oxidation of formic acid was studied in acid media on three types of modified Pt electrodes namely: type I, co-deposited Pt-M onto Ti foil, with M = Tl, Pb or Cd. Type II: Pt foil electrode modified by underpotential deposit (UPD) of Tl, Pb and Cd, and type III electrode: Pt deposited onto Ti and modified by UPD. The catalytic activity of these electrodes for formic acid oxidation in acidic medium decreases as type III > type II > type I, with the higher activity for Pt-Pb co-deposits. Characterization of the electrode by electrophoretic migration and SEM reveal an interplay between the Pt-M co-deposit morphology and catalytic activity.