Macroporous conducting matrix: Fabrication and application as electrocatalyst support

Conducting carbon matrix with macroporous and mesoporous bimodal pore structure has been fabricated by combining the templating and sol–gel methods. The further surface modify by Pt–Co catalyst results in a high activity towards the ethanol oxidation in alkaline solution. The high-performance is believed due to the reduction of the liquid sealing effect. The materials with bimodal structure have the advantages that the reagents and products can transfer not only through macropores but also from mesopores. These electrodes are potentially used in liquid fuel cells. The anode electrode with such highly porous structure will reduce the liquid sealing effect, in consequence, improves the cell performance.