Platinum nanoparticles/phosphotungstic acid nanorods anchored poly (diphenylamine) nanohybrid coated electrode as a superior electro-catalyst for oxidation of methanol

Solvation of energy crises is the need of the era which urges for alternate energy resources. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are an integral part of alternate energy and fuel concerns. This study demonstrates the facile fabrication of polydiphenylamine/phosphotungstic acid/platinum (PDPA/PTA/Pt) nanocomposites modified electrode via electrodeposition method for efficient electro-oxidation of methanol in acidic medium. The physicochemical characterization of PDPA/PTA/Pt nanocomposite modified electrode morphology using SEM with EDX mapping, and crystallinity behavior was examined using powder XRD analysis. The morphology of the PDPA/PTA/Pt nanocomposites demonstrates that the size of Pt nanospheres is similar to 200 nm, and the size of PTA nanorods is similar to 300 nm in the PDPA matrix. The electrochemical properties were also evaluated using cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometric and electrochemical impedance studies techniques. The PDPA/PTA/Pt nanocomposite modified electrode showed superior electrocatalytic activity, higher current density (14.807 mA cm(-2)), longer stability and durability (30 min), and excellent catalytic poisoning tolerance to carbonaceous species accumulation towards methanol electro-oxidation reaction (MEOR), which is because of the synergistic existence of Pt nanospheres and PTA nanorods with PDPA matrix which enhances the electron transfer. The obtained results proved that the developed electro-catalyst is an excellent alternative for efficient MEOR in fuel cells applications.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the facile fabrication of PDPA/PTA/Pt nanocomposites modified electrode via electrodeposition method for efficient electro-oxidation of methanol. The synergistic existence of Pt nanospheres and PTA nanorods with PDPA matrix enhances the electron transfer, providing an excellent alternative for efficient MEOR in fuel cells applications.