Preparation of highly dispersed Pt-SnOx nanoparticles supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes for methanol oxidation

To maximize the utilization of catalysts and thereby reduce the high price, a new strategy was developed to prepare highly dispersed Pt-SnOx nanoparticles supported on 8-Hydroxyquinoline (HQ) functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). HQ functionalized MWCNTs (HQ-MWCNTs) provide an ideal support for improving the utilization of platinum-based catalysts, and the introduction of SnOx to the catalyst prevents the CO poisoning effectively. The as-prepared catalysts are characterized by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. It is found that the HQ functionalization process preserves the integrity and electronic structure of MWCNTs, and the resulting Pt-SnOx particles are well dispersed on the HQ-MWCNTs with an average diameter of ca. 2.2 nm. Based on the electrochemical properties characterized by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, the Pt-SnOx/HQ-MWCNTs catalyst displays better electrocatalytic activity and stability for the methanol oxidation. It is worth mentioning that the forward peak current density of Pt-SnOx/HQ-MWCNTs catalyst is ca. 1.9 times of that of JM commercial 20% Pt/C catalyst, which makes it the preferable catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells.

► HQ functionalization process preserves the integrity and electronic structure of MWCNTs. ► The preparaed Pt-SnOx nanoparticles are well dispersed on the HQ-MWCNTs with an average diameter of ca. 2.2 nm. ► The Pt-SnOx/HQ-MWCNTs catalyst displays superior electrocatalytic activity and stability for the methanol oxidation, the forward peak current density of Pt-SnOx/HQ-MWCNTs catalyst is ca. 1.9 times of that of JM commercial 20% Pt/C catalyst.