Core–shell nanostructure electrodes for improved electrocatalytic properties in methanol electrooxidation

TiN@C nanostructure supports consist of TiN as a core prepared at 900 °C in NH3 and carbon as a shell by heat treatment of the TiN at 900 °C in CH4 for 1, 3, and 6 h (referred as TiN@C-1 h, TiN@C-3 h, and TiN@C-6 h). The thickness of the carbon shell layers in the TiN@C supports increase with increasing reaction time at 900 °C in CH4. In particular, the TiN@C-1 h supported Pt catalyst exhibits much improved electrocatalytic properties toward methanol electrooxidation as compared to Pt catalysts on Vulcan XC-72R.

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► The TiN@C core–shell nanostructures have been successfully formed by heating process.
► The carbon shell structure shows graphitic-like properties.
► The thickness and crystallization of carbon can be controlled as a function of reaction time.
► The Pt deposited on TiN@C exhibits much improved electrocatalytic activities.