Helical nanocoiled and microcoiled carbon fibers as effective catalyst supports for electrooxidation of methanol

We have demonstrated a new synthesis of twist-shaped nanocoiled and herringbone-type double microcoiled carbon fibers via catalytic chemical vapor deposition of acetylene over NiCuMgAl-layered double hydroxides. The materials were characterized by power X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and N2 adsorption–desorption experiments. For the first time, the use of electrodes modified with platinum particles supported on as-grown helical carbon fibers was studied for electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol. Especially, the electrode supported on herringbone-type double microcoiled carbon fiber showed much larger Pt active surface area than that supported on commercial carbon black. Furthermore, such electrocatalyst has exhibited about fourfold enhancement of activity and excellent anti-poisoning ability, which is believed to be attributed to the combined beneficial effects of novel microstructure and special composition of as-grown helical carbon fibers.