Multi-Component Platinum-Containing Electrocatalysts in the Reactions of Oxygen Reduction and Methanol Oxidation

Catalysts containing bimetallic PtCu-nanoparticles deposited onto carbonaceous and composite SnO2/C supports are prepared by liquid-phase borohydride synthesis. The composition and structure of the synthesized materials, their catalytic activity in the reactions of oxygen electroreduction and methanol electrooxidation, as well as corrosion and morphological stability are investigated. The platinum doping with copper atoms is found to increase the materials’ catalytic activity and stability in comparison with Pt/C, regardless of the type of support used. In addition, the multicomponent PtCu/(SnO2/C) catalyst exhibits the highest tolerance to intermediate products of methanol electrooxidation.