The adsorption and oxidation of isopropanol at platinum electrode in alkaline media

Abstract

The adsorption and oxidation of isopropanol in alkaline media at platinum electrode have been investigated by using electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) and in situ FTIR spectroscopy. The results show that there is no self-poisoning in the electrooxidation of isopropanol in alkaline media. Though no poison species, such as CO, are evidenced by in situ FTIR spectroscopy, the adsorption of isopropanol or its dissociative products on Pt surface is suggested by EQCM data. The final product of isopropanol oxidation is only acetone under experimental condition, which suggests that the oxidation of isopropanol into acetone takes place via dehydrogenation step. The EQCM studies provide quantitative results of surface mass variation and have thrown new light in the elucidating isopropanol oxidation.