Effects of different carbon nanotube supported catalysts on methanol and ethanol electro-oxidation

Abstract

In this work, Pt and Pt-Ru nanoparticles were synthesized on both single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Effects of different nanotube supports on electrocatalytic activity of Pt and Pt-Ru nanoparticles for methanol and ethanol oxidations were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In comparison to MWCNTs, SWCNT supported Pt and Pt-Ru catalysts demonstrate better electrocatalytic activities in terms of forward peak current density, the ratio of forward peak current density to reverse peak current density, and charge transfer resistance. This study indicates that SWCNTs can serve as effective catalyst supports for both direct methanol and ethanol fuel cells.

Department(s)

Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-1213-T08-17

Publication Date

12-1-2010

Journal Title

Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings

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