Electrooxidation of C1 organic molecules on Pt electrodes

Summary C1 molecules are potential alternative fuels for fuel cells, with a higher volume-specific energy density than hydrogen, and with higher energy conversion efficiencies than heavier organic molecules like ethanol, because their oxidation does not require the rupture of any C–C bonds. However, the development of economically competitive direct C1 fuel cells is hampered by CO poisoning and by the necessity to employ Pt-based electrocatalysts. Reducing CO poisoning to a tolerable level and developing cheaper and durable electrocatalysts requires a deep knowledge of the reaction mechanism on Pt, the archetypal electrocatalyst. In this brief review we summarise current knowledge in this field.