In-situ FTIR spectroscopic studies of electro oxidation of ethanol in alkaline media at a nm-Pt/GC electrode

Abstract

The electro-oxidation of ethanol on a nm-Pt/GC electrode in alkaline solutions was investigated by using cyclic Voltammetry and in-situ FTIR spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the main product of ethanol oxidation was CH3 COO-, only small quantity of CH3 CHO was determined simultaneously. In contrast with the dual path reaction mechanism for the oxidation of ethanol in acid media, the oxidation of ethanol in alkaline media was revealed via the intermediate process of dissociative adsorption.