MOF-assisted construction of mesoporous tungsten carbide as superior Pt-based catalyst support for methanol electro-oxidation

Herein, mesoporous tungsten carbide (WC) has been synthesized successfully with large specific surface area and controllable structure by combing the merits of MOF and carbide. After depositing Pt nanoparticles, the obtained new catalyst Pt/WC/C exhibits outstanding catalytic performance toward methanol oxidation simultaneously demonstrates remarkable CO tolerance, which is preeminent than commercial Pt/C-JM. Besides, the Pt/WC/C owns the highest retained mass activity and the lowest decline ratio (69. 9 mA mg-1, 89.7%) compared to Pt/CJM (26.9 mA mg-1, 91.3%). The superb electrochemical activity, favorable stability and admirable resistance to CO are probably owing to the synergistic reaction between Pt nanoparticles (NPs) with small size and WC, and large specific surface area (up to 763.6 m2 g-1)which can result in the well distribution of Pt NPs and faster transportation of proton and electron, thus achieving a splendid electrocatalytic activity level. This work renders a feasible method to obtain glorious electrocatalyst applied in direct methanol fuel cells.

Automated summary

Mesoporous tungsten carbide (WC) was successfully synthesized with large specific surface area and controllable structure by combining the advantages of MOF and carbide. The new catalyst Pt/WC/C, after depositing Pt nanoparticles, exhibited outstanding catalytic performance towards methanol oxidation and remarkable CO tolerance compared to commercial Pt/C-JM.