Electrocatalytic Properties of Platinum Catalysts Prepared by Pulse Electrodeposition Method Using SnO2 as an Assisting Reagent

Abstract

PtSnO 2 /C catalysts with uniformly Pt spherical nanoclusters were synthesized by a novel pulse electrodeposition method using SnO 2 as an assisting reagent. The morphology and crystallinity of the catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, respectively. Spherical nanoclusters obtained by introducing SnO 2 reagent into supports were more and finer than Pt/C catalyst nanoclusters prepared by the same method without SnO 2 . The electrocatalytic activities of catalysts toward methanol oxidation reaction and oxygen reduction reaction were investigated by cyclic voltammetry measurements. In comparison with Pt/C catalysts, the PtSnO 2 /C catalysts had larger active surfaces and exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction. The possible reason for the increased activity was analyzed and ascribed to both the promotion of CO electro-oxidation reaction kinetics and oxygen sources provided by SnO 2 . It is implied in the study that the method of mixing cocatalyzing materials with Pt-based catalysts is promising and will be potential in design and fabrication of electro-catalysis.