Electrodeposition of Platinum and Ruthenium Nanoparticles in Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube‐Nafion Nanocomposite for Methanol Electrooxidation

Abstract

PtRu nanoparticles with a diameter of 10–15 nm were electrodeposited within multiwalled carbon nanotube-Nafion (MWCNT-Nafion) nanocomposite. The formation of PtRu nanoparticles in MWCNT-Nafion nanocomposite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic activity towards the methanol electrooxidation at PtRu-MWCNT-Nafion and Pt-MWCNT-Nafion nanocomposite-modified glassy carbon electrodes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The results indicated that the PtRu-MWCNT-Nafion nanocomposite was electrocatalytically more active than Pt-MWCNT-Nafion nanocomposite. The effect of atomic ratio of Pt : Ru on the electrocatalytic ability towards the methanol electrooxidation was investigated in order to achieve a high catalyst use. The PtRu bimetallic catalyst with 1 : 1 atomic ratio showed better electrocatalytic activity towards the methanol electrooxidation. The stability for the methanol electrooxidation at PtRu-MWCNT-Nafion nanocomposite modified was also investigated.

Electrochemical Performance of Pt/NC and Pt/rGO for Methanol Oxidation in Acid Media

“…Due to its molecular simplicity, high energy density, efficient energy conversion, low pollutant emissions to the environment and easy reflux, methanol (CH 3 -OH) has been considered as an alternative way in the transformation of chemical energy into electrical energy in cells of proton exchange membrane fuel (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). In recent years a considerable number of investigations have focused on the study of methanol electro-oxidation in which the nanostructured carbon materials as catalytic support for platinum as an active phase have played an important role in the generation of electricity in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, due to its structural and electrical properties (6)(7).…”