Electrodeposition of AuPt nanoparticles for ethanol electrooxidation application

Abstract

Gold-based bimetallic nanoparticles possess promising applications in electrooxidation reactions due to their high catalytic activity. In this study, Gold (Au) and bimetallic Gold-Platinum (AuPt) nanoparticles were synthesised for application in ethanol electrooxidation using an electrodeposition technique on a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrate. Based on electrochemical impedance measurements, bimetallic AuPt exhibits a lower resistance charge transfer (Rct) than single metal Au particles. Cyclic voltammetry analysis shows that bimetallic AuPt nanoparticles deliver a higher oxidation current and forward-to-backward current ratio (If/Ib) than Au. These results indicate that the presence of Pt successfully increases the catalytic activity of the nanoparticles, making them suitable for ethanol electrooxidation reactions.