Exceptional Pt nanoparticle decoration of functionalised carbon nanofibers: a strategy to improve the utility of Pt and support material for direct methanol fuel cell applications

Nanoscaled electrocatalysts (Pt/fCNF-1 and Pt/fCNF-2) were synthesised and excellent Pt nanoparticle dispersion and decoration (inside/outside) of functionalised carbon nanofibers (fCNF) were achieved. The surface morphological, compositional and structural characterisations of synthesised nanomaterials were investigated thoroughly and average Pt particle size 2.4 nm achieved for both the nanomaterials. Cyclic voltammetry was employed in order to confirm the typical electrochemical responses for Pt and for methanol oxidation studies. The target was to improve the utility of both the precious Pt and support material (using outer and inner side decoration of nanofibers) for methanol electro-oxidation. The effective utilisation of inner nanofiber surface together with the modified surface characteristics (by functionalisation) enabled excellent decoration, effective dispersion and efficient impregnation of Pt nanoparticles all along the nanofibers. The electrocatalysts exhibited excellent I-f/I-b values, indicating the exceptional antipoisoning strength and potential to be used in fuel cell conditions. The improved carbon surface area using inner/outer surfaces of nanofibers and effective nanoparticle dispersion/decoration together with the presence of functional groups provided strong nanofiber-nanoparticle interactions, altogether resulting in excellent performance. Decorated nanoscale materials are capable of large-scale production for industrial applications.