Synthesis and characterization of bimetallic Pt–Fe/polypyrrole–carbon catalyst as DMFC anode catalyst

Abstract

A novel synthesis route, concerning in situ interfacial polymerization of pyrrole on carbon black and following co-deposition of Pt and Fe on polypyrrole–carbon support, is developed to prepare the bimetallic Pt–Fe/polypyrrole–carbon catalyst. In this synthesis process, ferrous precursor simultaneously functions as an oxidant for the polymerization of pyrrole. The Pt–Fe/polypyrrole–carbon catalyst shows improved catalytic activity towards methanol oxidation compared to commercial Pt/C catalyst, which may be of great potential in direct methanol fuel cells.