Fabrication of 3D Pt catalysts via support of Na2Ti3O7 nanowires for methanol and ethanol electrooxidation

A novel support of Na2Ti3O7 nanowires for Pt catalysts has been prepared and used for methanol and ethanol electrooxidation. The Na2Ti3O7 nanowires with typical length up to several tens of micrometers and the average diameter of about 200 nm are used as the 3D support for loading Pt nanoparticles. FESEM and TEM show that the Pt nanoparticles of about 8 to 10 nm in diameter are evenly distributed on the surface of Na2Ti3O7 nanowires. The electrochemical studies reveal that the catalytic activity of Pt/Na2Ti3O7 electrocatalyst is almost threefold higher than that of Pt/C electrocatalyst at the same loading of Pt.

Graphical AbstractNa2Ti3O7 nanowires are used as the 3D support for loading Pt nanoparticles for electrooxidation of methanol and ethanol.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► The Na2Ti3O7 nanowires are used as three dimensional support for Pt nanoparticles distribution.
► The Pt/Na2Ti3O7 electrocatalyst displays better catalytic activity and stability for the alcohol electrooxidation in both acidic and alkaline media than the Pt/C electrocatalyst with the same Pt loading as a result of 3D catalysis.