Synthesis, characterization and electrocatalytic activity of Co@Pt nanoparticles supported on carbon-ceramic substrate for fuel cell applications

In this study, we report the synthesis of Co@Pt nanoparticles via a fast and simple method and the fabrication of an anodic electrocatalyst, Co@Pt supported on carbon-ceramic substrate, for fuel cell applications. The present synthesis method is very facile and economical which may be suitable for large-scale production of Co@Pt nanoparticles with high activity. The surface morphology, structure and composition of the as-prepared core-shell nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Then, the electrooxidation of ethylene glycol (EG) and glycerol (Gly) was investigated on the Co@Pt nanoparticles supported on carbon-ceramic electrode (Co@Pt/CCE) in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. Electrocatalytic characteristics were methodically investigated by electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The Co@Pt/CCE electrocatalyst demonstrates improved specific activity toward EG and Gly electrooxidation compared to the Pt-alone nanoparticles supported on carbon-ceramic electrode (Pt/CCE) and also shows much high structural stability and tolerance to carbonaceous species poisoning. Therefore, the Co@Pt/CCE can be extended as a promising electrocatalyst for the polyol alcohols electrooxidation reactions in fuel cells.