Synthesis of macroscopic SiC nanowires at the gram level and their electrochemical activity with Pt loadings

Macroscopic SiC nanowires (SiCNWs) were successfully synthesized at the gram level (2–4 g h−1) by using a simple solid–vapor reaction of silicon powders and carbon oxides, assisted by ZnS. This results in a promising material for a wide range of applications. The obtained products possess a small size of 10–30 nm and a good single-crystal structure. In addition, a specific surface area of 1.6 m2 g−1 was achieved. A high electrochemical activity to H2 adsorption/desorption and methanol oxidation was observed from cyclic voltammograms in H2SO4 and H2SO4/CH3OH solutions after loading with 50 wt.% Pt. Furthermore, a high catalytic performance for oxygen reduction at ∼0.57 V and good chemical stability were displayed. The novel SiCNW-supported catalyst shows potential for fuel cells with long lifetimes.