Direct electrodeposition of Pt nanotube arrays and their enhanced electrocatalytic activities

Ordered Pt nanotube arrays have been fabricated by one-step electrodeposition utilizing nanochannel alumina templates. The electro-oxidation of ethanol on Pt nanotube arrays in acidic medium has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The oxidation peak currents on the Pt nanotube array electrode for ethanol oxidation are about 1.7 times those on the commercial PtRu/C electrode. The high electrocatalytic activities of the Pt nanotube array towards the oxidation of ethanol made it an excellent platform for direct ethanol fuel cell applications.