Pt support of multidimensional active sites and radial channels formed by SnO2 flower-like crystals for methanol and ethanol oxidation

SnO2 nanoflowers and nanorods have been synthesized by the hydrothermal method without using any capping agent. Both types of SnO2 nanostructures are selected as a support of Pt catalyst for methanol and ethanol electrooxidation. The synthesized SnO2 nanostructures and SnO2 supported platinum (Pt/SnO2) catalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and high resolution transmission electron microscope. The electrocatalytic properties of the Pt/SnO2 and Pt/C catalysts for methanol and ethanol oxidation have been investigated systematically by typical electrochemical methods. The influence of SnO2 morphology on its electrocatalytic activity is comparatively investigated. The Pt/SnO2 flower-shaped catalyst shows higher electrocatalytic activity and better long-term cycle stability compared with other electrocatalysts owing to the multidimensional active sites and radial channels of liquid diffusion. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.