3D hierarchical cauliflower-like carbon nanotubes/platinum-tin nanostructure and its electrocatalytic activity for ethanol oxidation

We report the synthesis of an advanced carbon paper (CP) macro-substrate (current collector)/carbon nanotubes (catalyst support)/Pt75Sn25 (nanocatalyst) architecture. The Pt75Sn25 was synthesized onto carbon nanotubes by mean of the cross-beam laser deposition (CBLD) technique. By varying the background gas pressure in the deposition chamber, smooth to porous structures Pt75Sn25 perfectly coating the carbon nanotubes were obtained. Pt75Sn25 deposited under 2 Torr of He resulted in a unique cauliflower-like nanostructure. This nanostructure when used as an electrode exhibits an enhanced electrocatalytic activity and high stability towards ethanol oxidation, a reaction of technological importance to direct ethanol fuel cells.