Pt–Fe cathode catalysts to improve the oxygen reduction reaction and methanol tolerance in direct methanol fuel cells

High surface area carbon-supported Pt and bimetallic Pt–Fe catalysts are investigated for the oxygen electro-reduction reaction (ORR) in low-temperature direct methanol fuel cells (60 °C). The electrocatalysts are prepared using a combination of colloidal and incipient wetness methods allowing the synthesis of carbon-supported bimetallic nanoparticles with a particle size of about 2–3 nm. These materials are studied in terms of structure, morphology and composition using X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The electrocatalytic behaviour of these catalysts for ORR is investigated by employing the rotating disc technique. An enhancement of the ORR is observed with the bimetallic Pt–Fe catalyst in the oxygen-saturated electrolyte solution, with and without methanol.