EQCM and in situ FTIR studies on the adsorption and oxidation of 1-butanol at a platinum electrode in alkaline media

Abstract

The adsorption and oxidation of 1-butanol in alkaline media on a platinum electrode were investigated mainly by EQCM and in situ FTIR spectroscopy. The experimental results demonstrate that the electrooxidation of 1-butanol is closely relative to solution acidity. Since no chemically adsorbed species, such as CO, were evidenced by in situ FTIR spectroscopy, the adsorption of 1-butanol or its dissociative products on Pt surface is suggested by EQCM and CV data. Only one current peak of 1-butanol oxidation in PGPS was detected at -0.23 V/SCE, which illustrated the disappearance of the second current peak due to Pt electrode passivation in alkaline media. The final product of 1-butanol oxidation is only butyric acid anion under experimental condition. It may therefore be suggested that the main reaction occurring at the electrode is the oxidation of 1-butanol to butyric acid anion. The EQCM studies provide quantitative results of surface mass variation and have shed light on elucidating 1-butanol oxidation.