Electrodeposited platinum with various morphologies on carbon paper as efficient and durable self-supporting electrode for methanol and ammonia oxidation reactions

Abstract

Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) and direct ammonia fuel cell (DAFC) have attracted wide attention due to high energy density, environment friendliness, easy availability and transportation of liquid fuel. However, the high cost and low durability of platinum (Pt) impede the large-scale application. Herein, we report a simple and effective approach to develop self-supporting electrodes (SSEs) using the square-wave potential (SWP) electrodeposition method. Compare with conventional electrode, this approach enables the absence of binder, in-situ growth of Pt catalyst on carbon paper, and easily controlled Pt morphologies. Consequently, prepared SSEs exhibit superior catalytic activity and durability toward methanol and ammonia oxidation reactions than the conventional electrode with Pt black as the catalyst. In particular, the SSE with cauliflower-like Pt catalyst exhibits the best catalytic activity and durability. This study suggests that SSE has a great potential in accelerating the practical application of direct liquid fuel cell (DMFC and DAFC).