A Pt−Ru/Graphitic Carbon Nanofiber Nanocomposite Exhibiting High Relative Performance as a Direct-Methanol Fuel Cell Anode Catalyst

Abstract

Multistep deposition and reactive decomposition of a precursor molecule containing one Pt and one Ru atom on herringbone graphitic carbon nanofibers (GCNFs) affords a Pt-Ru/GCNF nanocomposite containing Pt-Ru alloy nanoclusters widely dispersed on the GCNF support. The nanocomposite has a total metal content of 42 wt % with a bulk Pt/Ru atomic ratio of ca. 1:1, and metal alloy nanoclusters having average particle sizes of 6 nm as calculated from XRD peak widths or 7 nm as measured directly from TEM images. XRD and electrochemical analysis of the nanocomposite as-prepared and stored under ambient conditions reveals the presence of small amounts of Ru metal and oxidized metal species. Comparative testing of this nanocomposite and an unsupported Pt-Ru colloid of similar surface area and catalyst particle size as anode catalysts in a working direct-methanol fuel cell (DMFC) reveals a 50% increase in performance for the Pt-Ru/GCNF nanocomposite. More detailed study of the catalytic performance of metal alloy/GCNF nanocomposites as DMFC anode catalysts appears to be warranted.

Highly dispersed platinum nanoparticles on carbon nanocoils and their electrocatalytic performance for fuel cell reactions

“…However, graphitic carbon nanostructures such as nanotubes, nanofibers, nanocoils or nanocapsules have proved to be even more efficient as electrocatalyst supports [1][2][3][4]. This is because these nanostructures combine good electrical conductivity with an accessible surface area, as a result of which the three-phase boundary (catalystelectrolyte-reactive) is maximized.…”

Nitrogen-doped carbon xerogel: A novel carbon-based electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells

“…Pt/C) have been considered as the most effective elecrocatalysts for ORR in PEM fuel cells due to their high activities and good stabilities. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] However, the issues of high cost, scarce sources and long-term durability limit their large-scale production and hinder the commercialization of PEM fuel cells. [10][11][12][13][14] In order to decrease the cost of electrocatalysts and eliminate their dependence on noble metals, various non-noble metal catalysts have been explored recently as alternatives to the Pt-based electrocatalysts, which include chalcogenide catalysts, [15][16][17][18][19] transition metal macrocyclic compounds, [20][21][22] transition metallic oxides [23][24][25][26][27] and carbon-based catalysts.…”

Activated carbons for applications in catalysis: the point of view of a physical-chemist

“…ACs are largely employed for several technological applications, ranging from filtration, to gas trapping and catalysis (Antolini 2009;Chai et al 2004;Deng et al 2010;Dicks 2006;Kadirvelu et al 2003;Maass et al 2008;Muradov 2001;Park et al 2003;Pernicone et al 1998;Phan et al 2006;Rotunno et al 2006;Rouquerol et al 2014;Sevilla and Mokaya 2014;Sircar et al 1996;Steigerwalt et al 2001;Voropaev et al 2009;Wang et al 2006;Watson et al 2013;Wigmans 1989;Zhang et al 2009;Zhao et al 2008). The reasons at the basis of the large industrial interest upon ACs stand behind the relative low cost of production with respect to the characteristics shown by these materials, such as their low weight and very large values of specific surface area, their thermal and chemical stability, the easiness of tuning their structural and surface properties during production and post-production, and the possibility of changing their macroscopic aspect.…”