Conductivity-tailored PtNi/MoS2 3D nanoflower catalyst via Sc doping as a hybrid anode for a variety of hydrocarbon fuels in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract

A novel and unique PtSc0.5Ni/MoS2@graphene catalyst possessing hybrid characteristics is prepared. Initially, three-dimensional nanoflower-like structures of MoS2 are deposited onto graphene sheets, and then PtScNi nanoparticles are grafted onto the MoS2@graphene support. For optimization, catalysts with different doping ratios (x = 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0) of Sc are prepared and examined. The electrochemical performances of PtNi/MoS2@graphene, Pt@graphene, and commercial Pt/C catalysts are further evaluated for comparison. A single cell with the PtSc0.5Ni/MoS2@graphene catalyst exhibits a maximum power density of 51.70 mW cm−2 at 50 °C in ethanol fuel, which is higher than previously reported values. The cell with commercial Pt/C catalyst, in contrast, displays a power density ∼3.7 times lower. Furthermore, the PtSc0.5Ni/MoS2@graphene catalyzed single cell delivers promising power densities and stabilities in methane and synthetic biogas fuel containing CH4, CO2, and H2S.