Graphene–CeO2 hybrid support for Pt nanoparticles as potential electrocatalyst for direct methanol fuel cells

Graphene–CeO2 hybrid was prepared and used as the support of Pt nanoparticles for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The structure and morphology were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); electrocatalytic properties of the catalysts were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and chronoamperometry (CA). The experimental results showed that the electrocatalytic activities for methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction on this catalyst were greatly improved due to the strong interaction between Pt and CeO2. Especially, the Pt–CeO2 catalyst with the CeO2 content of 7 wt.% showed the best electrocatalytic performances for methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction. It can be concluded that the graphene–CeO2 hybrid could be used as a potential and effective support for fuel cell application.

► Pt–CeO2/GN catalyst was studied for methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction.
► The CeO2/GN hybrid was used as an effective support for DMFCs.
► Methanol oxidation activity and stability on Pt–CeO2/GN catalyst were improved.
► The promotion effect should be attributed to the presence of CeO2.