A highly active PtNi/C electrocatalyst for methanol electro-oxidation in alkaline media

A carbon supported PtNi/C electrocatalyst synthesized via a polyol process was characterized by XRD, TEM and voltammetry techniques. The XRD analysis showed a decreased lattice constant of Pt for the PtNi/C catalyst compared with the Pt/C, indicating partial PtNi alloy formed. The PtNi/C exhibited enhanced mass activity towards methanol oxidation reaction as well as decreased CO stripping currents in alkaline media compared with the Pt/C. Density functional theory studies revealed the electronic structure modification of Pt by Ni atoms and weakened CO adsorption energy on the Pt3Ni than on the Pt4 clusters, which may account for the increased MOR activity.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► The MOR activity of PtNi is improved due to a weakened CO adsorption on surface.