Unlocking the Selectivity of Pt–Ru Catalysts for Electrochemical Reduction of Acetone to Isopropanol

Hübsch R, Samal PK, Jäschke F, Piliai L, Skála T, Tsud N, Mysliveček J, Brummel O, Lykhach Y, Libuda J (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Book Volume: 18

Pages Range: 32129-32138

Journal Issue: 22

DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6c08903

Abstract

Electrochemically active liquid organic hydrogen carriers (EC-LOHCs) present a promising strategy for sustainable energy storage and conversion. Among them, the isopropanol/acetone redox pair is particularly attractive, but selective electrochemical hydrogenation of acetone remains a key challenge. Here, we identify the active state of bimetallic Pt–Ru catalysts that enables unprecedented selectivity for isopropanol formation. This state consists of ultrasmall metallic Pt aggregates supported on a roughened Ru surface formed exclusively through electrochemical dealloying of Pt–Ru alloys. Structures with similar activity cannot be attained by vacuum-based deposition methods. Using cyclic voltammetry, synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemical infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, we establish a direct link between surface structure and product selectivity. The same active state also promotes isopropanol oxidation at low overpotential, enabling bidirectional catalysis. These findings uncover a previously unrecognized pathway to tune catalyst selectivity and lay the groundwork for reversible EC-LOHC systems that support efficient, closed-loop, and carbon-neutral energy technologies.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Univerzita Karlova v Praze / Charles University in Prague Czech Republic (CZ)

How to cite

APA:

Hübsch, R., Samal, P.K., Jäschke, F., Piliai, L., Skála, T., Tsud, N.,... Libuda, J. (2026). Unlocking the Selectivity of Pt–Ru Catalysts for Electrochemical Reduction of Acetone to Isopropanol. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 18(22), 32129-32138. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.6c08903

MLA:

Hübsch, Robert, et al. "Unlocking the Selectivity of Pt–Ru Catalysts for Electrochemical Reduction of Acetone to Isopropanol." ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces 18.22 (2026): 32129-32138.

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