Multi-walled carbon nanotube modified with methylene blue under ultraviolet irradiation as a platinum catalyst support for methanol oxidation

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2013-01, Vol.222, p.340-343
• Main Authors: Yang, Guotao, Yang, Xikun, Xu, Mingli, Min, Chungang, Xiao, Haifeng, Jiang, Kezhu, Chen, Linyan, Wang, Guanghua
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Catalysis; Catalysts: preparations and properties; Chemistry; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrocatalyst; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; General and physical chemistry; Materials; Methanol oxidation; Methylene blue; Multi-walled carbon nanotube; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry; Ultraviolet irradiation
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.08.074

To improve the utilization and activity of anodic catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells, multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) is used as a support for platinum (Pt) nanoparticles synthesized by method of ultraviolet irradiation. MWCNT is modified by methylene blue (f0-MWCNT) under ultraviolet light (f1-MWCNT), and then Pt nanoparticles are assembled on the f1-MWCNT to form composites (Pt/f1–MWCNT). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis reveals that the surface of MWCNT is successfully functionalized. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses exhibit that the uniformly dispersed Pt nanoparticles of around 2.5 nm in size are obtained. Cyclic voltammetric and chronoamperometric experiments demonstrate that the as-prepared Pt/f1–MWCNT composites show higher catalytic activity and better stability compared with Pt/f0–MWCNT and commercial Pt/C (JM), which is vital to anode electrocatalysis in direct methanol fuel cells. ► MWCNT is first modified with methylene blue during ultraviolet irradiation. ► Pt nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed on functionalized MWCNT. ► Pt/f1–MWCNT shows excellent catalytic activity and stability for methanol oxidation.