PtRuO2/Ti anodes with a varying Pt:Ru ratio for direct methanol fuel cells

PtRuO2/Ti anodes with a varying Pt:Ru ratio were prepared by thermal deposition of a PtRuO2 catalyst layer onto a Ti mesh for the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The morphology and structure of the catalyst layers were analyzed by SEM, EDX, and XRD. The catalyst coating layers became porous with increase of the Ru content, and showed oxide and alloy characteristics. The relative activities of the PtRuO2/Ti electrodes were assessed and compared using half-cell tests and single DMFC experiments. The results showed that these electrodes were very active for the methanol oxidation and that the optimum Ru surface coverage was ca. 38% for a DMFC operating at 20-60 °C.