Surface effect of platinum catalyst-decorated mesoporous carbon support using the dissolution of zinc oxide for methanol oxidation

Abstract

Due to their excellent chemical stability, as well as low operating temperature, high energy density, and environment-friendliness, carbon supports are a prospective candidate for platinum (Pt) nanocatalysts in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). However, numerous efforts to achieve the high efficiency for the energy conversion by carbon supports have faced considerable challenges owing to an inefficient utilization of the inside region, leading to the low electrochemical performance. Thus, in the present study, we propose an advanced surface technology for the mesoporous structure. The obtained Pt nanocatalyst-decorated mesoporous carbon nanofiber support offers a high anodic current density of 732 mA mgPt(-1), and an excellent catalytic stability as compared to the commercial Pt/C (20 wt% Pt on Vulcan carbon, De Nora S. P. A.) and Pt/CNF. Due to these characteristics, this advanced carbon support provides several, benefits such as the well-dispersed Pt nanocatalysts on the surface, as well as achieves a superb catalytic stability. In sum, the advanced carbon support is a promising candidate to improve the electrochemical performance of DMFCs.