Photo(UV)-enhanced performance of Pt–TiO2 nanostructure electrode for methanol oxidation

We report an improved performance of Pt–TiO2 nanostructure electrode for methanol oxidation in methanol fuel cells. The nanostructure electrode consisting of Pt nanophases and a titanium oxide matrix was fabricated by means of co-sputtering deposition method. The electrode showed a remarkably enhanced performance for methanol oxidation under UV illumination compared to that without UV illumination. Such a remarkably improved performance of the Pt–TiO2 electrode might be due to the enhanced methanol oxidation by photo-generated holes in the TiO2 under UV illumination.