Abstract:

Macroporous carbon supported Ir(Ir/MC) and Vulcan XC-72 carbon supported Ir(Ir/XC) catalysts were prepared respectively. Based on the characterization of the catalysts using the energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, the electrocatalytic performances of the two catalysts for the ammonia oxidation were investigated. It was found that the peak current density of the ammonia oxidation at the Ir/MC catalyst electrode is 38.7% larger than that at the Ir/XC catalyst electrode and the electrocatalytic stability of the Ir/MC catalyst is better than that of the Ir/XC catalyst. Because the average size and the relative crystallinity of the Ir particles in the Ir/MC catalyst is similar to that in the Ir/XC catalyst, the above results can be attributed to the larger pore size and porosity as well as the higher conductivity due to the high graphitization extent of MC.

Key words: Ammonia oxidation, Macropore carbon supported Ir catalyst, Electrocatalytic performance, Current type of electrochemical sensor