Pt–Ni alloy nanoparticles supported on CNF as catalyst for direct ethanol fuel cells

Carbon nanofiber (CNF) network supported Pt and Pt–Ni alloy nano particle catalysts were prepared by electrochemical deposition at different deposition cycles. Structure, composition and surface morphology of the Pt/CNF and Pt–Ni/CNF were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Structural analysis by XRD revealed a face centered cubic crystal structure for Pt and its alloy. SEM images have shown that the Pt–Ni nanoparticles distributed evenly on the CNF network. The electrocatalytic activity of the Pt/CNF and Pt–Ni/CNF electrodes was verified using an electrochemical linear voltammetrty (ELV), cyclic voltammetry (ECV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in an alkaline solution containing 1 M C2H5OH + 1 M KOH. The results show increased catalytic activity with enhancement of the Pt–Ni alloy formation.

► Pt and Pt–Ni nanoparticles were electrochemically deposited on CNF network at various cycle numbers such as 40, 60 and 80 as catalyst for direct ethanol fuel cells. ► The Pt–Ni80/CNF catalyst electrode prepared at a sweep time of 80 showed a highest electroactivity for the ethanol electro-oxidation. ► This is because of the increased Ni to Pt atomic ratio and the decrease in particle size with the increase of deposition cycle number.