Enhanced methanol oxidation activity of Pt catalyst supported on the phosphorus-doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes in alkaline medium

Phosphorus-doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes (P-MCNTs) were synthesized by thermolysis and employed as the supports of platinum catalyst. It was found that Pt/P-MCNTs as an anode catalyst exhibited a much higher activity and better stability toward methanol electrooxidation than the Pt/MCNTs without phosphorus in alkaline medium, due to the higher Pt utilization ratio and Pt area-specific activity, the better electronic conductivity of P-MCNT support and the faster rate of charge transfer at the P-MCNTs/electrolyte interface, indicating a highly potential application of Pt/P-MCNTs as anode catalyst for methanol oxidation in alkaline DMFC.

The electrocatalytic activity and stability of Pt/P-MCNTs catalysts for methanol oxidation are much higher than those of Pt/MCNTs, due to the higher dispersion and utilization efficiency of Pt and better electronic conductivity of P-MCNTs.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► P-doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes-supported Pt catalyst (Pt/P-MCNTs) is prepared.
► Pt supported on the P-MCNTs exhibits higher dispersion and utilization efficiency.
► Pt/P-MCNTs have much higher electrocatalytic activity and stability than Pt/MCNTs.
► P-MCNTs support has better electronic conductivity than MCNTs.
► A faster rate of charge transfer at the interface for Pt/P-MCNT is proven.