Journal Article

Theoretical and Experimental Exploration of Au-Pt Anode for Efficient Ascorbate Oxidation in Sustainable Fuel Cells

Asaduzzaman, Md, Hasnat, Mohammad A., Ahsan, Mohebul, Rahaman, Mostafizur, Uddin, Mohammad Afsar, Islam, Md. Fahamidul, Rashid, Kazi Hamidur

2026

Overview

The development of efficient and non-toxic fuels for direct liquid fuel cells has highlighted ascorbic acid (AA) as a sustainable energy source. This study presents a combined theoretical and experimental investigation of ascorbate oxidation on an Au-Pt electrode in alkaline medium. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that Au deposition on Pt creates a more homogeneous and active surface, significantly enhancing the adsorption energy of ascorbate (−7.54 eV vs. −5.80 eV on bare Pt). Electrochemically, this translates to a superior performance, where the Au-Pt electrode achieves a 38% reduction in charge-transfer resistance, a higher current density, and a lower Tafel slope of 77 mV dec−1, indicating accelerated kinetics. The electrode also retains its activity over 1000 cycles, confirming exceptional durability. This synergistic combination of theoretical and experimental results establishes Au-Pt as a premier catalyst for sustainable ascorbate-based energy conversion.

• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Subject: Adsorption / ascorbate oxidation / Ascorbic acid / Carbon / Density functional theory / Density functionals / direct liquid fuel cell / Electrodes / Electrons / Energy conversion / Experiments / Force and energy / Fuel cell industry / Fuel cells / Gold / Green technology / Hydrogen as fuel / Liquid fuels / Metals / Organic acids / Oxidation / Oxidation-reduction reaction / Platinum / Renewable energy / Specific gravity / sustainable energy conversion