Microwave synthesis of MWCNT-supported PtRuNi catalysts and their electrocatalytic activity for direct methanol fuel cells

• Published in: Hanʼguk Seramik Hakhoe chi 2020, 57(2), 387, pp.192-199
• Main Authors: Woo, Sungpil, Cho, Hyeongkyu, Kim, Jungwon, Lee, Youngwook, Lee, Seokhee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ceramics; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Glass; Materials Science; Natural Materials; Original Article; 재료공학
• ISSN: 1229-7801; 2234-0491; 2334-0491
• DOI: 10.1007/s43207-020-00016-1

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-supported PtRuNi catalysts were synthesized using a microwave heating process. The particle sizes and structures of the catalysts were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrocatalytic activities of the catalysts for methanol electrooxidation were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and impedance spectroscopy. The TEM results revealed that the MWCNT-supported PtRuNi catalyst synthesized via microwave heating for 10 min showed a uniform distribution of nanoparticles with an average size of about 5 nm. The catalyst showed an electrochemically active surface area of 62.2 m 2  g −1 and a mass activity of 148.64 mA g pt −1 . A decrease in the microwave heating time increased the dispersion and reduced the size of the PtRuNi nanoparticles. Moreover, the improved performance of the catalysts can be attributed to their high proton and electronic conductivity due to nickel hydroxides. Nickel hydroxides produced on the surface of metallic Ni in the Pt lattice contribute to the catalytic activity of PtNi catalysts in direct methanol fuel cells.