Photoemission study of methanol decomposition on Pt/Ni(111) surface alloy

Platinum shows excellent catalytic activity in electrochemical oxidation of methanol. It is widely used in direct methanol fuel cells, but it is readily poisoned by CO-like intermediates generated in methanol activation process. To increase Pt CO tolerance, oxophilic metals such as Ru or Ni are incorporated into Pt. In our model study we present results of the adsorption and decomposition of methanol on a Pt-Ni ordered surface alloy prepared by Pt evaporation on Ni(111) surface, examined by conventional and synchrotron radiation XPS. Methanol adsorbed at low temperature formed adsorbate multilayers, which were consecutively desorbed upon heating to 600 K. Reaction intermediates arising during desorption were measured. Reaction pathways are discussed and compared with those obtained on a clean Ni(111) single crystal. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.