Preparation of well-distributed Pt–Ni nanoparticles on/into TiO2NTs by pulse electrodeposition for methanol photoelectro-oxidation

Evenly dispersed Pt–Ni nanoparticles were loaded on TiO2 nanotube arrays (TiO2NTs) via pulse electrodeposition method and subsequently characterized by FESEM, EDX and XRD. The electrochemical studies showed that the catalytic activities of Pt–Ni/TiO2NTs are better than that of Pt/TiO2NTs for methanol electro-oxidation in alkaline media both in the dark and under illumination. In addition, due to the interaction of electro-catalysis and photo-catalysis, the catalytic activities of TiO2NTs-based catalysts were improved largely under illumination. Base on the results obtained in this work, Pt–Ni/TiO2NTs may be used to develop a base for photo assist direct methanol fuel cell.

► Pt–Ni nanoparticles were loaded on TiO2NTs via pulse electrodeposition as catalyst.
► Catalysts for methanol electro-oxidation in the dark and under illumination.
► Catalytic activity of Pt–Ni/TiO2NTs is better than that of Pt/TiO2NTs.
► Catalytic activity of TiO2NTs-based catalysts was improved via illumination.