Characteristics of the carbon nanotubes supported Pt−Ni and Ni electrocatalysts for DMFC

Abstract

Electrocatalysts, Pt−Ni and Ni, catalysts loaded separately about 20 wt.% onto carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by the impregnation method for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The particles size and morphology of these catalysts were confirmed by XRD and TEM analysis. From the X-ray diffraction analysis, the peaks of Pt−Ni and Ni were displayed separately for each catalyst. TEM images showed that the metal catalysts were loaded uniformly and finely onto carbon nanotubes with sizes ranging from 2 to 4 nm. Finally, an electrochemical analysis was performed to determine catalytical activity of these catalysts by the cyclic voltammogram (CV).