Combinatorial investigation of Pt–Ru–M as anode electrocatalyst for direct methanol fuel cell

The addition of Au/TiO2 and zeolites as active components to PtRu/C electrode in DMFC was investigated by using combinatorial high-throughput-screening test. Addition of Au/TiO2 to PtRu/C electrode, especially in the ratio of PtRu/C: Au/TiO2 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, were effective to improve the performance of direct methanol fuel cell. The electrochemical properties of the prepared electrodes were compared using cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy and a single cell performance test of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The adsorbed CO on Pt might be easily oxidized on the surface of Au/TiO2 by interaction between PtRu/C and Au/TiO2. The addition of the solid acid proton conducting materials (ZSM-5) on PtRu/C anode leads to the high temperature operation. The cell performance was maintained over the cell temperature 120 °C (maximum current density was 200 mA/cm2 at 160 °C) by the addition of ZSM-5 as proton conducting materials.