Cost-effective functionalization of Vulcan XC-72 by using the intermittent microwave heating process as nanocatalyst support for ethanol electrooxidation in acid media

Vulcan XC-72 samples were functionalized with methanol (MeOH) by Intermittent Microwave Heating (IMH) under different treatment conditions. To assess the effectiveness of proposed method citric acid functionalization was also performed as comparison. The obtained carbonaceous supports used to synthesize Pt/C-MeOH and Pt/C-CA nanocatalysts. surface assessed using them support for Pt/C nanocatalysts conducting investigations towards Ethanol Oxidation Reaction (EOR). most active nanocatalyst Pt/C-MeOH2 (0.15 mol L-1 MeOH 8 min heating) which generated a current 63.7 mA cm-2. In situ SPAIRS measurements showed that EOR at Pt/C-CA1 follows C2-pathway mechanism. Meanwhile, competition between C1 C2 pathway observed Pt/C. study demonstrated IMH produces carbon supported Pt enhanced catalytic activity EOR, potential application in Direct Fuel Cells