Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Pt/NiO/MWCNTs Electrocatalysts

• Published in: Journal of the Chinese Chemical Society (Taipei) 2012-10, Vol.59 (10), p.1345-1350
• Main Authors: Cheng, I-Ling, Chiou, Yuh Jing, Lin, Hong Ming
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electro-oxidation; Electrocatalysts; MWCNTs; Nanohybrid; NiO
• ISSN: 0009-4536; 2192-6549
• DOI: 10.1002/jccs.201200217

To search for more efficient and inexpensive electrocatalysts is one of the main research directions for the electrocatalytic application of direct liquid fuel cells. Nanohybrid Pt/NiO/MWCNTs are synthesized by impregnation and polyol methods. Two different series denoted as Pt/[NiO/MWCNTs (1:4)] and NiO/[Pt/MWCNTs (1:4)] are prepared. The sizes of the nanoparticles are 3‐7 nm and 10 nm for Pt and NiO, respectively. By observing the morphology images, NiO will aggregate more on Pt modified MWCNTs than those without Pt adding. The catalytic properties of these hybrid catalysts are characterized by methanol electro‐oxidation. The addition of 20 wt% NiO, before or after Pt synthesis, can better enhance the catalysis ability of Pt and help Pt catalyst convert CO in lower temperature. This study indicates the 10 wt% Pt/[NiO/MWCNTs (1:4)] catalyst has the best performance in electrocatalytic activity for methanol. The NiO is a cheaper material than other commonly used oxides; the novel hybrid catalysts are a promised candidate for the electrocatalytic application in DMFCs. To search for more efficient and inexpensive electrocatalysts is one of the main research directions for the electrocatalytic application of direct liquid fuel cells. Novel hybrid electrocatalysts containing Pt, NiO, and MWCNTs are synthesized successfully in two different series and denoted as Pt/[NiO/MWCNTs(1:4)] and NiO/[Pt/MWCNTs(1:4)].