Design of Pt catalyst with high electrocatalytic activity and well tolerance to methanol for oxygen reduction in acidic medium

The low-content deposition of Pt on the working electrode during the electrochemical test showed high activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and much low activity for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), indicating that there exists a difference in the ORR and MOR on the surface of few Pt nanoparticles . Based on this difference, we designed and prepared the Pt/carbon nanotube catalyst with ca. 0.86 wt.% Pt, which exhibited high ORR activity and well tolerance to methanol in acidic media, showing a good potential application for a future acidic direct methanol fuel cell device.

Pt/MCNT catalyst with ultra-low Pt loading exhibits high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and well tolerance to methanol in acidic media.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The dissolution of the counter electrode Pt in acidic media is tested quantitatively.
► Activity difference of Pt for oxygen reduction (ORR) and methanol oxidation is found.
► Pt/carbon nanotube catalyst(Pt/MCNT) with low Pt loading is designed and prepared.
► As-prepared Pt/MCNT exhibits high ORR activity and well tolerance to methanol.