Heterogeneously assisted oxidation of adsorbates from carbonmonoxide, methanol and ethanol by hydrogen peroxide solutions on platinum electrodes in sulphuric acid

The influence of hydrogen peroxide on the adsorption and oxidation of carbon monoxide, methanol and ethanol adlayers on porous Pt electrodes were studied in 2 M sulphuric acid solution by means of cyclic voltammetry and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS). The oxidation of adsorbed species is observed at electrode potentials far less negative than those required for electrochemical adsorbate oxidation. The oxidation by H2O2 is dependent on its concentration in solution, as well as on the adsorbates and their coverages. In all cases the isolated adlayers are oxidised by dissolved H2O2. However, the presence of H2O2 during adsorption partially inhibits adlayer formation from CH3OH and C2H5OH, but avoids almost completely the adsorption of carbon monoxide. The removal of the residues from the surface by dissolved hydrogen peroxide probably occurs through Oad species formed during the heterogeneous decomposition reaction of H2O2 on Pt.