A novel structural design of hybrid nanotube with CNTs and CeO2 supported Pt nanoparticles with improved performance for methanol electro-oxidation

This research was aimed to investigate the interaction between support and Pt nanoparticles and performance of Pt/CeO2-NTs catalyst for methanol oxidation. Pt/CeO2-CNTs-HN, Pt/ CeO2-CNTs-PB, Pt/CNTs and Pt/CeO2-NTs catalysts are prepared by microwave-assisted polyol process (MAPP). Electrochemical results show that Pt/CeO2-CNTs-HN catalysts are more active and stable than Pt/CeO2-CNTs-PB, Pt/CNTs and Pt/CeO2-NTs catalysts. X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy elemental mapping have also been performed to characterize the catalyst and confirm the electrochemical results. The increased catalytic efficiency of Pt in the Pt/CeO2-CNTs-HN catalysts results from its good contact with CeO2 and CNTs simultaneously and the prior homogeneous distribution of CeO2 on CNTs facilitating the further homogeneous distribution of Pt on CeO2-CNTs-HN. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.