Nanostructured Platinum & Platinum based anode electrocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cells

Abstract

Among various types of fuel cells, the direct methanol fuel cells are most promising as the power source for portable products which require low power density but high energy density. One of the major problems with DMFCs is the slow oxidation kinetics of methanol oxidation at the anode, which involves a complex network of reactions with many possible side products especially at low operating temperatures. More active catalysts or a larger quantity of catalyst are required in the case of DMFCs.This thesis work aims at improving the performance of Pt and Pt based electrocatalysts in room temperature methanol oxidation reaction for DMFCs. A number of preparation methods and their variations were employed, and the resultant electrocatalysts were extensively characterized. The catalytic activities and CO tolerance in acidic electrolytes were measured in half cells by typical electrochemical methods. Most of the catalysts have shown satisfactory performance under the acidic environment.