Novel materials structures and compositions for alcohol oxidation reaction

Abstract Alcohol oxidation is an electrochemical reaction that occurs in the anode side of direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs). DAFCs generate electricity through the direct oxidation of liquid alcohol. To improve the efficiency and enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the anode side of DAFCs, there is a necessity to create proper, high electrocatalytic activity and low-cost anode electrocatalysts. This chapter deals with the anode electrocatalysts, which contain Pt, Pd, Ru, and nonnoble metals. It also reviews the effect of the electrocatalytic activity of the supporting materials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), graphene, and oxide structures, as well as conducting polymers.