Stable and active methanol oxidation anchored PtRu alloy nanoparticles on NiFe layered double hydroxides

• Published in: Green chemistry : an international journal and green chemistry resource : GC 2024-03, Vol.26 (6), p.3221-3228
• Main Authors: Jin, Linbo, Meng, Qingcheng, Ma, Mengze, Gao, Xueqing, Chen, Aibing, Sun, Xiaoming, Zhou, Daojin
• Format: Article
• ISSN: 1463-9262; 1463-9270
• DOI: 10.1039/d3gc03894g

Enhancing the catalytic efficiency of the methanol electro-oxidation reaction (MOR) holds paramount importance in expediting the commercialization of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). In this study, we unveil a novel strategy involving the utilization of single-atom dispersed Fe sites within nickel iron layered double hydroxides (NiFe-LDHs) to anchor PtRu nanoparticles, resulting in a uniform distribution. This approach not only leads to increased activity but also introduces a remarkable advancement in stability toward the MOR under alkaline conditions. The incorporation of NiFe-LDHs plays a pivotal role in achieving the consistent dispersion of PtRu nanoparticles through Ru-O(H)-Fe bonding. This innovative technique maximizes the utilization of abundant OH groups, thereby facilitating the efficient oxidative removal of residual CO on Pt sites. Studies of electrochemical tests indicate that the as-fabricated electrocatalyst exhibits superior MOR performance (2031 mA mg −1 ), excellent CO-poisoning tolerance ( I f / I b = 3.06) and outstanding cycling stability (200 000 s) compared with commercial PtRu/C catalysts. Utilizing the optimized PtRu/NiFe-LDHs-CB anode catalyst in a direct methanol fuel cell yields an impressive maximum power density of 157 mW cm −2 . This value exceeds that of fuel cells utilizing the commercial PtRu/C catalyst by a factor of 2.3, showcasing a substantial enhancement. Furthermore, these results outperform the previously reported data in this field. Enhancing the catalytic efficiency of the methanol electro-oxidation reaction (MOR) holds paramount importance in expediting the commercialization of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).