Carbon Nanotube PtSn Nanoparticles for Enhanced Complete Biocatalytic Oxidation of Ethylene Glycol in Biofuel Cells.

We report a hybrid catalytic system containing metallic PtSn nanoparticles deposited on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PtSn/MWCNTs), prepared by the microwave-assisted method, coupled to the enzyme oxalate oxidase (OxOx) for complete ethylene glycol (EG) electrooxidation. PtSn/MWCNTs, without OxOx, showed good electrochemical activity toward EG oxidation and all the byproducts. PtSn/MWCNTs cleaved the glyoxilic acid C-C bond, producing CO and formic acid, which was further oxidized at the electrode.