Pt–Ru nanoparticles supported on functionalized carbon as electrocatalysts for the methanol oxidation

Platinum–ruthenium alloy electrocatalysts, for methanol oxidation reaction, were prepared on carbons thermally treated in helium atmosphere or chemically functionalized in H2O2, or in HNO3 + H2SO4 or in HNO3 solutions. The functionalized carbon that is produced using acid solutions contains more surface oxygenated functional groups than carbon treated with H2O2 solution or HeTT. The XRD/HR-TEM analysis have showed the existence of a higher alloying degree for Pt–Ru electrocatalysts supported on functionalized carbon, which present superior electrocatalytic performance, assessed by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, as compared to electrocatalysts on unfunctionalized carbon. It also was found that Pt–Ru alloy electrocatalysts on functionalized carbon improve the reaction rate compared to Pt–Ru on carbons treated with H2O2 solution and thermally. A mechanism is discussed, where oxygenated groups generated from acid functionalization of carbon and adsorbed on Pt–Ru electrocatalysts are considered to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the methanol oxidation reaction.

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► The functionalized carbon using acid solutions contains surface oxygenated groups.
► Uniform dispersion of PtRu nanoparticles on the carbon surface was achieved.
► Physical analysis showed the formation of PtRu alloy catalysts on functionalized carbon.
► PtRu alloy catalysts on functionalized carbon enhanced the methanol oxidation rate.