Enhanced electrocatalytic activity of PtCu bimetallic nanoparticles on CeO2/carbon nanotubes for methanol electro-oxidation

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2020-03, Vol.45 (15), p.8558-8567
• Main Authors: Liu, Changhai, Zhang, Lili, Sun, Lei, Wang, Wenchang, Chen, Zhidong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ceria; Electrocatalysis; Fuel cell; Methanol oxidation reaction; Multi-walled carbon nanotube; PtCu
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.01.063

To achieve the practical application of direct methanol fuel cells, it is highly important to develop effective electrocatalyst with high activity and favorable durability. Herein, we report the successful preparation of PtCu bimetallic nanoparticles supported on ceria/multi-walled carbon nanotubes composite (PtCu–CeO2/MWCNTs) via microwave-assisted polyol reduction procedure. The composition and morphology of as-obtained composite catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectra, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The synergistic effects combining PtCu bimetallic effect and oxygen vacancy effect in ceria of such composite catalysts provide abundant active surface area and enhanced conductivity for the effective charge transport during the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) process. As a results, the PtCu–CeO2/MWCNTs with optimized Pt proportion achieve greatly enhanced MOR activity with mass activity of 1.28 A mg−1Pt and specific activity of 2.03 mA cm−2, superior CO tolerance and reliable stability in contrast to that of commercial Pt/C catalysts. •PtCu–CeO2/MWCNTs composite was synthesized via microwave-assisted polyol reduction.•PtCu–CeO2/MWCNTs obtained an excellent current density of 1.28 A mg−1Pt.•PtCu–CeO2/MWCNTs exhibited superior CO tolerance and durability.