Three-dimensional nanostructured carbon nanotube array/PtRu nanoparticle electrodes for micro-fuel cells

We have fabricated three-dimensional (3D) nanostructured carbon nanotube (CNT) array/PtRu nanoparticle (with the average molar percentage (26%) of Ru) electrodes using anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates for micro-fuel cells. 3D nanostructured CNT array was used to support PtRu nanoparticles to enhance the utilization efficiency of Pt. The 3D nanostructured CNT array/PtRu electrodes show the excellent catalytic activity and electrochemical stability of electro-oxidation of methanol. Their anodic current density is 10 times as high as that of PtRu thin-films, which could be explained in terms of the high specific surface area of 3D nanostructured CNT array supporting films and the uniform distribution of PtRu nanoparticles.