On the chemistry of activation of a commercial carbon-supported PtRu electrocatalyst for the methanol oxidation reaction

Abstract

Although potential cycling has been widely used to activate PtRu electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation, little is known about the molecular/atomic level chemistry involved and also what constitutes the optimal activation. This important question is addressed herein by in situ attenuated total reflection-surface enhanced IR reflection absorption spectroscopy using methanol-generated CO as a probe.