UV-cleaning properties of Pt nanoparticle-decorated titania nanotubes in the electro-oxidation of methanol: An anti-poisoning and refreshable electrode

Platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) were doped on titanium oxide nanotubes (TNTs) using a micro-emulsion method. The titanium oxide nanotubes were successfully fabricated by the anodizing of titanium sheets. The morphology and surface analysis of the Pt-NPs/TNTs electrodes were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, respectively. The electro-oxidation of methanol on the Pt-NPs/TNTs electrodes in an acidic medium was studied using electrochemical methods. The results showed that the oxidation peak currents on the Pt-NPs/TNTs electrode for methanol oxidation are several times larger than those on a smooth platinum electrode and confirmed the better stability of these electrodes. The photocatalytic properties of the TiO2 make the Pt-NPs/TNTs electrode reusable after a short UV treatment, and the electro-oxidation current density of the Pt-NPs/TNTs electrode after UV-cleaning can be re-established.

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► Pt-NPs/TNTs showed a remarkably enhanced performance for methanol oxidation.
► Anti-poisoning ability of TiO2 makes Pt-NPs/TNTs refreshable after UV treatment.
► For methanol oxidation, Pt-NPs/TNTs have high current density and good stability.