Abstract
Carbon supported platinum nanoparticles are commonly used as anode catalysts in low temperature fuel cells. Platinum exhibits an enhanced activity towards hydrogen oxidation reaction; however, its performance during low molecular weight alcohols oxidation is poor. Accordingly, this work presents a trial to improve the electrocatalytic performance of platinum-based electrocatalysts by developing core-shell structured M@Pt [M = Zn, Mn or Sn] nanoparticles supported on activated Vulcan XC-72R carbon black [M@Pt/AC]. They were fabricated using ethylene glycol as a reducing agent with the aid of microwave irradiation. The electrocatalytic activity of different M@Pt/AC electrocatalysts for oxidizing methanol molecules in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution was investigated using cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. These prepared nanomaterials displayed enhanced electrocatalytic behavior towards methanol oxidation reaction. The alcohol oxidation current density was arranged in an ascending order as: Zn@Pt/AC < Mn@Pt/AC < Sn@Pt/AC. Enhanced stability and charge transfer characteristics were also gained at these electrocatalysts especially Sn@Pt/AC to recommend its wide application as an efficient anode material in fuel cells.
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