Electrochemical synthesis of Pt nanoparticles on ZrO2/MWCNTs hybrid with high electrocatalytic performance for methanol oxidation

Abstract Zirconia supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (ZrO2/MWCNTs) as carriers was synthesized with hydrothermal method, and then ternary Pt-ZrO2/MWCNTs hybrid was prepared by electrodeposition with aims to enhance electron and proton conductivity, specific surface as well as active site, and also oxidize the adsorbed CO on Pt surface and synergistically improve electrocatalytic activity and stability for the oxidation of methanol. The synthetic conditions of Pt-ZrO2/MWCNTs, such as mass ratio of ZrO2/MWCNTs, deposition cycle of Pt, were screened, respectively. The catalytic performance of Pt-ZrO2/MWCNTs hybrid for methanol oxidation was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperogram test. The results showed that Pt-ZrO2/MWCNTs hybrid exhibited significantly lower charge transfer resistance and better toxicity resistance compared with the commercial Pt/C(20 wt%)-SA. Meanwhile, the ECSA (42.25 m2/g) of Pt-ZrO2/MWCNTs hybrid is higher than that of other related materials. Therefore, the as-prepared Pt-ZrO2/MWCNTs hybrid is a promising electro-catalyst for the application of direct methanol fuel cell.