Template preparation of Pt–Ru and Pt nanowire array electrodes on a Ti/Si substrate for methanol electro-oxidation

Pt and Pt–Ru nanowire array electrodes were obtained by dc (direct current) electrodeposition of Pt and Ru into the pores of an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template on a Ti/Si substrate. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination showed all the nanowires had a uniform diameter of about 30 nm. The brush shaped Pt and Pt–Ru nanowire array electrodes could be seen clearly by scanning electron microscope. Pt and Pt–Ru nanowire array electrodes gave the X-ray diffraction pattern of a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure. The electro-oxidation of methanol on these electrodes was investigated at room temperature using cyclic voltammetry. The results demonstrated that the alloy nanowire array electrode was catalytically more active than a pure platinum nanowire array electrode and the Pt–Ru nanowire array electrode may have good potential for applications in portable fuel cell power sources.