Platinum Nanoparticles on Interconnected Ni3P/Carbon Nanotube–Carbon Nanofiber Hybrid Supports with Enhanced Catalytic Activity for Fuel Cells

Abstract

AbstractA new class of hybrid support is prepared by chemical vapor deposition of acetylene yielding carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on electrolessly plated Ni3P on carbon nanotubes (Ni3P/CNT). The as‐prepared Ni3P/CNT–CNF hybrid is used to support platinum nanoparticles, produced by the microwave‐assisted ethylene glycol reduction method, as an electrocatalyst (Pt/Ni3P/CNT–CNF). The as‐prepared Ni3P/CNT–CNF hybrid and Pt/Ni3P/CNT–CNF catalyst are characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, and thermogravimetric analysis. Electrochemical evaluations of the electrocatalyst are performed for methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions. The electrochemical active surface area of Pt/Ni3P/CNT–CNF, evaluated both by hydrogen adsorption cyclic voltammetry (CV; 95 m2 g−1) and CO anodic stripping CV (106 m2 g−1), is higher than that of a Pt/CNT benchmark. Electrochemical evaluation of methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions indicate that as‐prepared Pt/Ni3P/CNT–CNF shows enhanced activity relative to that of commercial Pt/C‐JM and Pt/CNT. The superior performance of as‐prepared Pt/Ni3P/CNT–CNF is mostly attributed to the improved electron transfer and facilitated mass transport originating from the tailor‐made Ni3P/CNT–CNF hybrid support.