One-step synthesis in deep eutectic solvents of Pt3Sn1-SnO2 alloy nanopore on carbon nanotubes for boosting electro-catalytic methanol oxidation

Abstract

A bimetallic catalyst, Pt3Sn1-SnO2 alloy nanopore (ANNP) supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was prepared in a new media: deep eutectic solvents (DESs) (referred to Pt3Sn1-SnO2/CNTs-D). TEM and other characterization results show that DESs leads to the formation of pores, which is conducive to catalysis. The Pt3Sn1-SnO2/CNTs-D showed higher catalytic performance toward methanol and better CO anti-poisoning capability (peak current: 316.2 mA mgPt−1, onset potential: 0.38 V, peak potential: 0.55 V) compared with Pt/CNTs-D (synthesised in DESs) (200.1 mA mgPt−1, 0.46 V, 0.59 V), Pt/CNTs-W (synthesized in water) (110.8 mA mgPt−1, 0.65 V, 0.68 V) and commercial Pt/C (75.3 mA mgPt−1, 0.57 V, 0.65 V). This study suggests an appropriate strategy for preparation of Pt-based electrocatalysts with high performance for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) applications.