One-pot method of synthesis of Pt/SnO(2) system and its electrocatalytic activity

BACKGROUND: Electro-oxidation of methanol in acidic solution was investigated on a Pt/SnO(2) based electrocatalyst obtained by the sol–gel method. Pt/SnO(2) systems were prepared by one pot synthesis using a sol–gel method and tin (IV) acetate as a precursor of SnO(2) and water solution of hexachloroplatinum acid as a source of metallic phase. RESULTS: The described method, thanks to its simplicity and mildprocessing temperature, offers uniform dispersion of metal phase in the bulk of the gel forming as a result of hydrolysis and condnastionon of tin precursor. It has been found that the obtained system exhibits high electrocatalytic activity just after low temperature processing. This work investigates the effect of the Pt concentration and the influence thermal treatment of Pt/SnO(2) on its electrochemical activity. CONCLUSIONS: The described procedure is a simple method of producing a highly active Pt/SnO(2) electrocatalyst without using thermal treatment in reducing conditions. The oxidation state of Pt is a determining factor for its activity in an electrooxidation process. [Figure: see text]