Effect of surface modification of mesoporous carbon supports on the electrochemical activity of fuel cells

• MC was prepared using a conventional templating method.
• MC was modified with acid (A), base (B), and neutral (N) solution.
• B-MC-supported Pt–Ru showed the smallest nanoparticle size of 3.3 nm.
• B-MC-supported Pt–Ru showed the highest loading of 77%.

Mesoporous carbon (MC) was prepared from mesoporous silica (SBA-15) via a conventional templating method for use as a Pt–Ru catalyst support in fuel cells. The effect of surface modifications of the carbon support at different pH on the electrochemical activities of the Pt–Ru/MC catalysts was investigated. The Pt–Ru nanoparticle size and loading were dependent on the surface characteristics of the MC. Base-modified MC-supported Pt–Ru showed the smallest average nanoparticle size (3.3 nm) and the highest loading (77%) among the chemically modified MC-supported Pt–Ru catalysts. The electrochemical activity of the catalysts was enhanced when the MC supports were treated with basic or neutral agents rather than by acid modification.

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