Modification of Gold Catalysis with Aluminum Phosphate for Oxygen-Reduction Reaction

Abstract

The activities of Au/AlPO4 nanocomposites with the variation of metal phosphates were examined for oxygen-reduction reactions, both in an alkaline and acidic environment. In an alkaline media, the activities of the Au/AlPO4 nanocomposites on the oxygen-reduction were enhanced. The steeper reduction slope as well as larger reduction current density were observed in the potential range of approximately 0.8−1.0 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode) with the newly appeared peak at ∼0.85 V. In an acidic media, the oxygen reduction on the Au/AlPO4 nanocomposites presented both higher onset potential and steeper reduction slope than that on the Au catalyst. Such enhancements were attributed to the electronic interactions between Au and AlPO4, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.