Metal Oxides Modified Mesoporous Carbon Supports as Anode Catalysts in DMFC

Abstract

Ceramic metal oxides, such as titania and ceria were impregnated into mesoporous carbon aerogel and carbon supported platinum-ruthenium commercial catalyst using a modified sol-gel Pechini method. The synthesized catalyst structures with metal oxide nanoparticles were heat treated at 350oC and 600oC. The ceramic particles of 3-5nm in diameter were analyzed in regard to composition and morphology using XRD, HRTEM, EDS and BET analysis. Electrochemical activity and stability of metal oxide modified carbon aerogels and metal oxide infused into commercial catalyst were studied for methanol oxidation using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry in acidic and alkaline medium. Metal oxide modified carbon aerogels showed activity and stability in methanol oxidation. Greater stability, in comparison to Pt-Ru/C catalyst, was observed in the case of Pt-Ru/C infused with metal oxides. The activity in methanol oxidation was 3 times higher for CeO2 doped Pt-Ru/C compared to unmodified PtRu/C.