Abstract
Methanol oxidation catalysts comprising an outer Pt-shell with an inner Ni-core supported on carbon, (Pt-Ni/C), were prepared with either crystalline or amorphous Ni core structures. Structural comparisons of the two forms of catalyst were made using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and methanol oxidation activity compared using CV and chronoamperometry (CA). While both the amorphous Ni core and crystalline Ni core structures were covered by similar Pt shell thickness and structure, the Pt-Ni(amorphous)/C catalyst had higher methanol oxidation activity. The amorphous Ni core thus offers improved Pt usage efficiency in direct methanol fuel cells.
Highlights
Increasing Methanol oxidation in direct methanol fuel cells affords an important alternative fuel source for future energy requirements [1]
The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of a home-made Pt/C sample is displayed as the vertical dot line
The onset potential of methanol oxidation on Pt-NiA/C was lower than that on Pt-NiC/C. These results show that the amorphous structure of Ni in Pt-Ni/C improves electrocatalytic capability for methanol oxidation over that of crystalline Ni in Pt-Ni/C
Summary
Increasing Methanol oxidation in direct methanol fuel cells affords an important alternative fuel source for future energy requirements [1]. In the search for efficient electrocatalysts that offset CO poisoning of the Pt-based anode, binary [2,3] or ternary [4,5] metallic systems in the form of alloys or core-shell structures have shown considerable promise for methanol oxidation. Among these catalysts, the PtNi bimetallic alloy has received much attention [6,7]. The use of an amorphous structured metal core, compared to a crystalline core, improved catalytic activity in a Fe-core/Pt-shell catalyst for ammonia borane oxidation [20]. Pt-NiA/C was found to be more active toward methanol oxidation catalyst than Pt-NiC/C
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
