Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Technology Research Articles

Molten salt approach of zeolitic imidazole framework derived strontium doped porous carbon based bifunctional electrocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cell

Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs) have sparked widespread interest and offer a viable approach for generating power. It has a number of commercial advantages, including low price, compact construction, and a quick refilling process that directly convert the chemical energy of methanol into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. However, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) frequently rely on platinum catalysts, which are expensive and limited in scalability. Platinum catalysts can be poisoned by carbon monoxide (CO) thus preventing their widespread commercialization. Due to these drawbacks, there is growing interest in developing catalysts based on non-noble metals to improve DMFC technology's deployment. Herein, we report a facile synthesis method using a molten salt approach, which involves the solvent-free mixing of strontium nitrate tetrahydrate with ZIF-67, followed by direct pyrolysis in an Ar/H2 atmosphere at 800 °C. For methanol oxidation the strontium oxide loaded catalytic materials i.e., CoxOy SrO/C (1:1) exhibited a peak current density of 161 mA/cm2 and stability of 71 % over 28800s and for ORR it exhibit current density of −5.86 mA/cm2 and half wave potential of 0.87 V. The facile MOF synthesis strategy, enhanced by molten salt processing, shows great potential for creating non-noble catalytic materials for high-performance fuel cells.

Constructing Zn-based MOF-MXene nanoarchitectures to stabilize ultrafine Pt nanocrystals with enhanced methanol oxidation performance

Although the development of direct methanol fuel cell technology is regarded as one rational option to against severe energy crises and environmental pollution, the low efficiency and considerable costs of current Pt-based anode catalysts largely impede the broad-scale commercialization. Herein, a convenient bottom-up approach is developed to the spatial construction of ultrafine Pt nanocrystals stabilized on a porous heterojunction matrix built from Zn-based metal organic frameworks and Ti3C2Tx MXene nanolamellas (Pt/ZIF-Ti3C2Tx) through the stepwise solvothermal reactions. The intercalation of metal organic frameworks produces plentiful cavities and channels for the dispersion and immobilization of small-sized Pt nanoparticles, while the incorporation of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets optimizes the Pt electronic structure and ensures a high electron conductivity. As a consequence, the as-acquired Pt/ZIF-Ti3C2Tx nanoarchitectures manifest exceptional electrocatalytic methanol oxidation abilities in terms of a large electrochemically active surface area of 110.5 m2 g−1, a high mass activity of 1900.1 mA mg−1, and preferable long-term stability, all of which are significantly superior to those of conventional Pt/carbon and Pt/unmodified Ti3C2Tx catalysts.

Optimizing Electrospinning Parameters for Enhanced Diameter Control of Composite Nanofibers in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs)

This study investigates the impact of electrospinning parameters, particularly focusing on the applied voltage parameter, on the diameter of TCNFs composite nanofibers for application in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The electrospun nanofibers are comprehensively characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis and electrochemical techniques of cyclic voltammetry (CV). The results revealed that the optimal applied voltage is 16 kV for TCNFs nanofiber, resulting in an average nanofiber diameter of 161.18 nm. Furthermore, the electrochemically characterized composite nanofibers of PtRu/TCNFs demonstrate exceptional performance, achieving a peak current density of 265.33 mAmgPtRu-1, surpassing PtRu/C by 3.35 times. The comprehensive analysis contributes valuable insights for tailoring nanofiber design to enhance electrocatalytic performance, paving the way for advancements in DMFC technology.

Building 3D Interconnected MoS2 Nanosheet–Graphene Networks Decorated with Rh Nanoparticles for Boosted Methanol Oxidation Reaction

The development of direct methanol fuel cell technology is one of the important ways to establish green energy production and conversion systems, while its large-scale commercial applications are severely hindered by the high cost and insufficient performance of current Pt-based anode catalysts. Here, we report the design and construction of a novel non-Pt electrocatalyst made from three-dimensional (3D) interconnected MoS2 nanosheet–reduced graphene oxide networks decorated with ultrafine Rh nanoparticles (Rh/MoS2-RGO) via a controllable co-assembly strategy. With unique structural features such as large specific surface areas, 3D interweaving porous frameworks, uniform Rh distribution, and excellent electron conductivity, the optimized Rh/MoS2-RGO catalyst is endowed with boosted electrocatalytic methanol oxidation properties, including a large electrochemical active surface area of 95.5 m2 g–1, a high mass (specific) activity of 1502.0 mA mg–1 (1.57 mA cm–2), and robust long-term stability, all of which significantly outperform those of reference Rh/RGO, Rh/carbon black, Rh/MoS2, as well as commercial Pt/carbon black and Pd/carbon black catalysts with the same metal content.

Synthesis of the Novel Nanocatalyst of Pt<sub>3</sub>Mo Nanoalloys on Ti<sub>0.8</sub>W<sub>0.2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> via Hydrothermal and Microwave-Assisted Polyol Process

Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) attracts much attention due to its high abundance, environmental friendliness, and convenient transportation and storage. In this study, a novel catalyst of Pt3Mo alloy nanoparticles (NPs) on non-carbon Ti0.8W0.2O2 support was synthesized by microwave-assisted polyol process. The characteristic of Pt3Mo NPS/Ti0.8W0.2O2 catalyst was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. Pt3Mo NPs had an average diameter of approximate 5.18 nm and were uniformly anchored on Ti0.8W0.2O2 surface. The ratio of Mo in the Pt3Mo alloy was consistent with the theoretical value, which supported the effectiveness of the synthesis method. In addition, Pt3Mo/Ti0.8W0.2O2 electrocatalysts exhibited higher CO-like tolerance in methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) than commercial electrocatalysts, excellent catalytic activity, and strong durability after 2000 cycles. The synergistic effect of Pt-Mo alloy, and the strong interaction between the bimetallic Pt-Mo alloy and the mesoporous Ti0.8W0.2O2 support, could weaken the Pt-CO bond. Besides, the high corrosion resistance and superior electrochemical durability of TiO2-based oxide also contribute to the excellent stability of Pt3Mo/Ti0.8W0.2O2 electrocatalyst in harsh electrochemical media. These results revealed that this material could be a potential catalyst in DMFC technology.

DNA-Modified Cobalt Tungsten Oxide Hydroxide Hydrate Nanochains as an Effective Electrocatalyst with Amplified CO Tolerance during Methanol Oxidation.

Direct methanol fuel cell technology implementation mainly depends on the development of non-platinum catalysts with good CO tolerance. Among the widely studied transition-metal catalysts, cobalt oxide with distinctively higher catalytic efficiency is highly desirable. Here, we have evolved a simple method of synthesizing cobalt tungsten oxide hydroxide hydrate nanowires with DNA (CTOOH/DNA) and without incorporating DNA (CTOOH) by microwave irradiation and subsequently employed them as electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation. Following this, we examined the influence of incorporating DNA into CTOOH by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The enhanced electrochemical surface area of CTOOH offered readily available electroactive sites and resulted in a higher oxidation current at a lower onset potential for methanol oxidation. On the other hand, CTOOH/DNA exhibited improved CO tolerance and it was evident from the chronoamperometric studies. Herein, we noticed only a 2.5 and 1.8% drop at CTOOH- and CTOOH/DNA-modified electrodes, respectively, after 30 min. Overall, from the results, it was evident that the presence of DNA in CTOOH played an important role in the rapid removal of adsorbed intermediates and regenerated active catalyst centers possibly by creating high density surface defects around the nanochains than bare CTOOH.

Local durability optimization of a large-scale direct methanol fuel cell: catalyst layer tuning for homogeneous operation and in-operando detection of localized hydrogen evolution

Lifetime limitations are still penalizing direct methanol fuel cell technology, otherwise outstandingly promising for sustainable portable power generation. Strong heterogeneous performance fading, related to uneven operating conditions, is known to be exacerbated in the upscaling process towards commercial applications, especially at local level. This work applies a localized optimization strategy, previously developed on lab-scale samples, on a commercial 180 cm2 membrane electrode assembly, analysing both current and potential distribution by means of a custom macro-segmented fuel cell provided with array of reference electrodes. Analysis based on local polarization curves and impedance spectroscopy demonstrates that water distribution, leading to local dehydration as well flooded areas, drives uneven operation and fading. Consequently, platinum loading at cathode electrode has been redistributed, sensibly improving current density heterogeneity and stability (voltage decay rate decreased from 148 to 53.8 μV h−1) over a 600 h degradation tests. Then, residual fading identified at outlet regions has been investigated by means of local electrodes potential analysis, demonstrating a highly uneven operation of both electrodes. This phenomenon is discussed as the evidence of localized hydrogen evolution, which is identified for the first time during nominal galvanostatic operation and suspected to contribute to uneven fading of components.

Engineering hollow porous platinum-silver double-shelled nanocages for efficient electro-oxidation of methanol

Direct methanol fuel cell technology requires high-performance electrocatalysts for practical utilization at the commercial scale. A novel, high-efficiency electrocatalyst composed of hollow porous platinum-silver double-shelled nanocages (Pt-Ag DSNCs) for the electro-oxidation of methanol (EOM) is demonstrated. The Pt-Ag DSNCs were synthesized with a facile one-pot self-template mechanism with the assistance of N, N-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA). The double shells can be precisely controlled by regulating the feeding amount of MBAA and the Pt/Ag ratio. The hollow MBAA-based metal polymer acts as a nano-reactor and nucleation site for the deposition of PtAg alloy on its inner (exposed to AgCl nanoparticles) and outer (exposed to bulk solution) sides. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a direct one-pot synthesis of Pt-Ag double-shelled nanocages. Combining a unique double-shelled structure and an optimized bimetallic chemical composition, the Pt-Ag DSNCs (optimized Pt/Ag ratio is 3/1) show more than a two-fold improvement in specific activity and greater stability towards the EOM compared with a commercial Pt catalyst. Density functional theory (DFT) studies demonstrate the introduction of Ag is important for the improvement of EOM performance. The facile synthetic strategy and competitive EOM performance endow Pt-Ag DSNCs with great application potential in direct methanol fuel cells.

Synthesis of Hollow Pt-Ni Nanoboxes for Highly Efficient Methanol Oxidation

In direct methanol fuel cell technology, highly stable electrochemical catalysts are critically important for their practical utilization at the commercial scale. In this study, sub ~10 nm hollow Pt-Ni (1:1 at. ratio) nanoboxes supported on functionalized Vulcan carbon (Pt-Ni/C-R2) were synthesized through a facile method for the efficient electrooxidation of methanol. Two reaction procedures, namely, a simultaneous reduction and a modified sequential reduction method using a reverse microemulsion (RME) method, were adopted to synthesize solid Pt-Ni NPs and hollow nanoboxes, respectively. To correlate the alloy composition and surface structure with the enhanced catalytic activity, the results were compared with the nanocatalyst synthesized using a conventional NaBH4 reduction method. The calculated electroactive surface area for the Pt-Ni/C-R2 nanoboxes was 190.8 m2.g−1, which is significantly higher compared to that of the Pt-Ni nanocatalyst (96.4 m2.g−1) synthesized by a conventional reduction method. Hollow nanoboxes showed 34% and 44% increases in mass activity and rate of methanol oxidation reaction, respectively, compared to solid NPs. These results support the nanoreactor confinement effect of the hollow nanoboxes. The experimental results were supported by Density Functional Theory (DFT) studies, which revealed that the lowest CO poisoning of the Pt1Ni1 catalyst among all Ptm-Nin mixing ratios may account for the enhanced methanol oxidation. The synthesized hollow Pt-Ni/C (R2) nanoboxes may prove to be a valuable and highly efficient catalysts for the electrochemical oxidation of methanol due to their low cost, numerous catalytically active sites, low carbon monoxide poisoning, large electroactive surface area and long-term stability.

PtCu nanoframes as ultra-high performance electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation

Despite tremendous progress has been achieved in the past two decades, the lack of high-performance catalysts suitable for long-term operation remains a great challenge in realizing the commercial application of direct methanol fuel cell technology. Here, we reported a simple approach for one-pot synthesis of PtCu alloy nanoframes along with their exciting electro-catalytic performance for methanol oxidation. PtCu alloys with highly-open nanoframe structures have been achieved in presence of a structure-directing agent like polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and reducing solvent like sodium borohydride. Such PtCu alloy nanoframes show tremendous improvement in the methanol electrooxidation with a highest mass activity of 1.64 A mgPt−1 (much lower onset potential compared to Pt alone), which is believed to be much higher compared to that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst and most of the literature reports, indicating a better alloy formation and highly active sites created by highly open nanoframes structures.

Combining the Advantages of Hollow and One-Dimensional Structures: Balanced Activity and Stability toward Methanol Oxidation Based on the Interface of PtCo Nanochains

Active and durable electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) are of great importance to the practical application of direct methanol fuel cell technology. Although tremendous efforts have been devoted to optimize the electrocatalysts, these electrocatalysts still fall far short of expectation and suffer from rapid activity loss. Herein, we report a new strategy for designing PtCo nanochains as a methanol oxidation electrocatalyst with high activity and excellent stability. The obtained PtCo nanochains consist of a string of hollow spheres that forms a one-dimensional chain structure. We find that having a defect-rich interface between adjacent hollow spheres is responsible for high catalytic performance and stability. With this special morphology, the PtCo nanochains exhibit exceptional activity (3.73 A·mg–1Pt) and stability (90.8% of initial current retained after 1500 cycles) for methanol oxidation. These findings will provide a new insight in designing and synthesizing high-performance ele...

A High‐Performance Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Technology Enabled by Mediating High‐Concentration Methanol through a Graphene Aerogel

AbstractA facile methodology to fabricate graphene aerogel (GA), and its application in a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), is demonstrated for the first time. A new GADMFC design is proposed by using GA to replace two main components within the DMFC—the gas‐diffusion layer and the flow field plate. The results indicate a 24.95 mW cm−2 maximum power density of air polarization is obtained at 25 °C. The membrane electrolyte assembly has a 63.8% mass reduction compared to an ordinary one, which induced 3 times higher mass power density. Benefiting from its excellent organic solvent absorbency, the methanol crossover effect is dramatically suppressed while using 12 m methanol, therefore, a higher concentration or even pure methanol can be refilled into the fuel cell. Due to the excellent fuel‐storage function of the GA, the methanol cartridge and complicated fuel circulation system in the DMFC can be eliminated, which can reduce the manufacturing cost for DMFCs. It is expected this research will promote the application of GA in fuel‐cell applications, as well as shed light on the novel fuel‐cell technology to address future energy challenges.

Platinum‐Decorated Si Nanowires as Methanol‐Tolerant Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts

AbstractPlatinum decorated Si nanowire (Pt/SiNW) catalysts were prepared by directly reducing Pt ions with Si−H bonds and exhibited excellent electrocatalytic behavior in the methanol tolerant oxygen reduction reaction. The onset potential and half wave potential of Pt/SiNW catalysts were positively shifted about 29 and 9 mV respectively compared with Pt/C commercial catalysts. Furthermore, the methanol tolerant capacity of Pt/SiNW catalysts is much higher than that of Pt/C commercial catalysts since the current density of Pt/C for methanol oxidation is 13.45 (or 20.56) folds higher when 0.1 (or 1) M methanol was added into the electrolyte. The outstanding catalytic performance of Pt/SiNW catalysts is due to the synergistic effect of Pt nanoparticles and SiNWs: Pt nanoparticles are tightly anchored SiNWs, avoiding the aggregation during the electrochemical process. Meanwhile, SiNWs may hinder the methanol oxidation and improve the tolerant capacity. The results presented here confirm the Pt/SiNW catalyst is efficient and ecologically friendly catalysts for direct methanol fuel cell technology.

Design and Development of Methanol Sensing MEMS Sensor for DMFC Technology

The sensors can be developed based on ampherometric principle using Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) technology. The synthesis of cost effective electrocatalyst materials for improved oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and preparing electrodes by using suitable methods to reduce the cost of the sensing electrode is the major objective of the present work. Pt-Sn alloy exhibits high sensitivity in ORR among other Pt alloys and hence will be used as the ORR catalysts. For various concentration of methanol at different temperature, the current density of the chemically synthesised and characterized Pt-Sn/C was analysed. The accuracy will be determined by the detection of electric current or changes in electric current to design the sensor. To analyse the sensor accuracy, we have used passive mode design protocol in COMSOL Multiphysics. From the constructed cell of 1.0 cm cell area, we can optimize the overall power density and hence the sensitivity of the sensor by the modification of the cell parameters and interfacing it with Darcy’s law of fluidic flow through porous electrode medium. The micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technology was used for the design and fabrication of sensor with the electrochemical inputs from a standard DMFC single cell arrangement. The cell structure has been fabricated using a 3D printing technology and the output of the cell was optimized for ampherometric detection. The sensor with microfludic interconnects were fabricated by MEMS technology. The sensor response characteristics were studied and will be presented.

Hierarchical Titanium Nitride Nanostructures As Catalyst Scaffold for PEMFC Technology

To overcome the high cost of the catalyst in Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) technology, research is moving towards the reduction in the Pt loading in the electrodes by increasing the electrochemical surface area. To date, the state of the art of catalyst supports is dominated by mesoporous carbon. It shows high conductivity but suffer from stability issues especially on long term operation. As shown in the literature, titanium nitride (TiN) has a metal-like conductivity with an outstanding chemical stability [1], and moreover, it is reported to be functional towards the oxidation of adsorbate CO on platinum active sites [2]. In this contribution, we report about TiN catalysts support with self-assembled, hierarchical mesoporous nanostructure, grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition. This approach controls the gas dynamics of the nanoclusters-inseminated supersonic jet to differentiate the resulting impaction deposition, affecting the growth of the film. Platinum is deposited by means of pulsed electrodeposition and it shows a peculiar lamellar structure, most likely due to the strong electric field on the nanostructures. Electrochemical and physical characterization are performed, showing performances towards both methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction, and revealing information about the interaction between catalyst, scaffold and reactants. We demonstrate that it is possible to obtain a catalyst support with large surface area whose morphology can be controlled at the nanoscale. Such as a support could be ideal for the highest platinum utilization, and for the metal loading reduction, since it has similar effects with respect to the metallic Ru in commercial DMFC catalysts with a much lower cost. Stability at high potential is also investigated, and so is the possibility to use the same material as a cathode exploiting the stability of the TiN. These results show the potential of a PVD based technique that opens the doors of the nanoscale to the fabrication of high performing electrodes whose morphological and electrical properties are easily tuned. This approach holds promises for a consistent reduction in the metal loading in DMFC technology. [1] M. Wittmer, B.Studer and H.Melchior, Journal of Applied Physics, 52, 5722 (1981) [2] M. Roca-Ayats, G. Garcia, J.L. Galante, M.A. Peña and M.V. Martinez-Huerta, Journal of Physical Chemistry C 117, 20769-20777 (2013) Figure 1

Surfactant templated nanoporous carbon-Nafion hybrid membranes for direct methanol fuel cells with reduced methanol crossover

In the path to improve the efficiency of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), development of an alternative membrane with reduced methanol cross over is the great deal of current interest. Herein, we configured a novel nanoporous carbon - Nafion hybrid membrane which reduces the methanol crossover by 50% compared to the pristine Nafion membrane. Firstly, nanoporous carbon (NPC) is synthesized through a surfactant template route using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) which direct well-established pore geometry in the NPC during synthesis. NPC acts as effective filler to Nafion polymer matrix by restricting the methanol crossover in a hybrid membrane in return helps in enhancing DMFC output power density. Proton conductivity, methanol crossover, microscopic analysis along with durability in the cell mode is systematically studied to find potential application of derived hybrid membrane towards DMFC. The DMFC comprising Nafion-NPC hybrid membrane delivers the peak power density of 171mWcm-2 at 70°C under ambient pressure which is about three folds higher than pristine Nafion membrane under identical operating conditions. Hence, the current investigation intended to find remarkable scope for the future DMFC technology development.

Pt nanoparticles grown on 3D RuO2-modified graphene architectures for highly efficient methanol oxidation

Platinum-based electrode catalysts for the methanol oxidation reaction are at the heart of direct methanol fuel cell technology, while their high cost and short lifespan have greatly hindered their large-scale commercial application. Herein, we put forward a facile self-assembly approach to construct 3D porous electrocatalysts made from ultrafine Pt nanoparticles, RuO2 and graphene aerogels. Benefiting from the unique textural features as well as remarkable synergetic effect, the resulting 3D Pt/RuO2/graphene architectures possess exceptional electrocatalytic performance in terms of surprisingly high activity, strong anti-poisoning ability and reliable stability toward methanol electrooxidation, holding great potential as substitutes for conventional Pt/carbon catalysts. This study may offer new insights for the development of various 3D metal oxide-modified graphene supported catalysts for a wide range of applications in the near future.

Ni/Pd-Decorated Carbon NFs as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Methanol Oxidation in Alkaline Medium

In this study, Ni/Pd-decorated carbon nanofibers (NFs) were fabricated as an electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation. These NFs were synthesized based on carbonization of poly(vinyl alcohol), which has high carbon content compared to many polymers used to prepare carbon NFs. Typically, calcination of an electrospun mat composed of nickel acetate, palladium acetate, and poly(vinyl alcohol) can produce Ni/Pd-doped carbon NFs. The introduced NFs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, line TEM energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray powder diffraction. These physicochemical characterizations are acceptable tools to investigate the crystallinity and chemistry of the fabricated Ni/Pd-carbon NFs. Accordingly, the prepared NFs were tested to enhance the economic and catalytic behavior of methanol electrooxidation. Experimentally, the obtained onset potential was small compared to many reported materials; 0.32 V (versus Ag/AgCl as a reference electrode). At the same time, the current density changed from 5.08 mA/cm2 in free methanol at 0.6 V to 12.68 mA/cm2 in 0.1 mol/L methanol, which can be attributed to the MeOH oxidation. Compared to nanoparticles, the NFs have a distinct effect on the electrocatalytic performance of material due to the effect of the one-dimensional structure, which facilitates the electron transfer. Overall, the presented work opens a new way for non-precious one-dimensional nanostructured catalysts for direct methanol fuel cell technology.

In operando investigation of anode overpotential dynamics in direct methanol fuel cells

This work illustrates the application to direct methanol fuel cell technology of an innovative reference electrode setup with a through-plate configuration, which enables localised measurement of electrode potential in an operating cell. The utility of the technique is demonstrated by monitoring the evolution of anode overpotential at two different locations in the cell over different time scales, ranging from minutes to hundreds of hours. The measurements provide valuable insight into critical degradation phenomena, identifying localised hydrogen evolution on the anode during short term operation and highlighting the contribution of anode temporary degradation to the overall performance decay during long term operation. This novel approach can be used as a diagnostic tool to improve operational protocols, such as refresh cycles, for direct methanol fuel cells.

A Highly Active and Ultra-Durable Methanol Oxidation Electrocatalyst Based on the Synergy of Pt-Ni(OH)2-Graphene

Active and durable electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation reaction are of critical importance to the commercial viability of direct methanol fuel cell technology. Unfortunately, current methanol oxidation electrocatalysts fall far short of expectations and suffer from rapid activity degradation. Here we report platinum–nickel hydroxide–graphene ternary hybrids as a possible solution to this long-standing issue. The incorporation of highly defective nickel hydroxide nanostructures is believed to play the decisive role in promoting the dissociative adsorption of water molecules and subsequent oxidative removal of carbonaceous poison on neighbouring platinum sites. As a result, the ternary hybrids exhibit exceptional activity and durability towards efficient methanol oxidation reaction. Under periodic reactivations, the hybrids can endure at least 500,000 s with negligible activity loss, which is, to the best of our knowledge, two to three orders of magnitude longer than all available electrocatalysts.