In this study, the electrocatalytic activity of the Co@Pt core-shell nanoparticles toward the ethanol oxidation reaction has been investigated in detail by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry in an acidic and alkaline media. The physicochemical data obtained in an alkaline solution were compared to those in an acidic solution. The obtained results demonstrate that while Co@Pt core-shell nanoparticles exhibit a good electrocatalytic performance for ethanol oxidation reaction in both media;

more »

... he Co@Pt core-shell catalyst presents more catalytic activity (1.4 times), exchanges current densities (about 8 times), and high electrochemical active surface area (1.2 times) and stability (about 2 times) in the alkaline medium. The effect of some experimental factors such as electrolytes (H 2 SO 4 and NaOH) and ethanol concentrations was studied and optimum conditions were suggested. From these points, we concluded that the ethanol oxidation reaction can be improved with an alkaline electrolyte and the oxidation reaction is highly dependent on the pH of the electrolyte. These results indicate that the system studied in the present work; Co@Pt core-shell nanoparticles on a carbon-ceramic electrode, is the most promising system for use in alkaline fuel cells.