New Pt–Ru solid compounds as precursors of anodic catalysts for direct methanol fuel cell

This research is aimed to increase the activity of platinum–ruthenium alloy catalysts, thus to lower the catalyst loading in anodes for methanol electrooxidation. The DMFC catalyst consisting of Pt–Ru/C were prepared from (NH4)2PtCl6 and Ru(OH)3 as solid precursors at different temperatures and times of duration during their reduction. Their performances were examined by cyclic voltammograms and chronoamperometric curves. The particle size and its distribution in the catalysts were determined by means of TEM and XRD. It is found that the XRD patterns of the catalyst prepared from (NH4)2PtCl6 and Ru(OH)3 as precursors show Pt reflexions with f.c.c. crystal structure. There are diffraction peaks indicating the presence of either pure Ru or a Ru-rich h.c.p. phase, which has not been alloyed with Pt in Pt–Ru/C. The activity of the Pt–Ru/C catalysts prepared from (NH4)2PtCl6 and Ru(OH)3 as precursors is higher than those obtained from H2PtCl6 and RuCl3 by chemical or thermal reduction. The activity of Pt–Ru/C catalysts prepared at 360 °C is higher than those prepared at 320 and 400 °C. After 1 h of reduction at 360 °C its particle size is small, about 7.5 nm, and its catalytic activity is higher than those obtained after 2 and 3 h of reduction.