Study of the catalytic activity of copper substrates coated with gold and silver foam in alcohol-alkaline media

Abstract The aim of the study is to find cheap catalysts for oxidation ethanol and release oxygen in alkaline alcohol fuel cells. catalytic activity gold-plated copper substrates coated with silver foam an membrane-free cell has been investigated. In this cell, phase interface between two highly immiscible liquids acts as a membrane. medium allows use non-platinum catalysts, which, together absence membrane, can significantly reduce cost these It shown that have high compared only or silver-plated catalysts. currents observed on proposed catalyst are order magnitude higher than all other electrodes studied. it also takes place at more negative potentials. Further stabilization required due its tendency peel off from substrate successfully type