Platinum nanoparticles embedded in layer-by-layer films from SnO2/polyallylamine for ethanol electrooxidation

Self-assembled films from SnO2 and polyallylamine (PAH) were deposited on gold via ionic attraction by the layer-by-layer (LbL) method. The modified electrodes were immersed into a H2PtCl6 solution, a current of 100 μA was applied, and different electrodeposition times were used. The SnO2/PAH layers served as templates to yield metallic platinum with different particle sizes. The scanning tunnel microscopy images show that the particle size increases as a function of electrodeposition time. The potentiodynamic profile of the electrodes changes as a function of the electrodeposition time in 0.5 mol L−1 H2SO4, at a sweeping rate of 50 mV s−1. Oxygen-like species are formed at less positive potentials for the Pt–SnO2/PAH film in the case of the smallest platinum particles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements in acid medium at 0.7 V show that the charge transfer resistance normalized by the exposed platinum area is 750 times greater for platinum electrode (300 kΩ cm2) compared with the Pt–SnO2/PAH film with 1 min of electrodeposition (0.4 kΩ cm2). According to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood bifunctional mechanism, the high degree of coverage with oxygen-like species on the platinum nanoparticles is responsible for the electrocatalytic activity of the Pt–SnO2/PAH concerning ethanol electrooxidation. With these features, this Pt–SnO2/PAH film may be grown on a proton exchange membrane (PEM) in direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFC).