A spin-coated TiOx-modified Pt anodic catalyst for the direct methanol fuel cells

In this investigation, a spin-coated titanium oxide (TiOx, 60 nm thick with a porous morphology and mostly in anatase structure) modified platinum (Pt) catalyst was fabricated atop of a silicon (Si) substrate before annealing for the use as an efficient anodic catalyst for the methanol electro-oxidation (MO). The temperature of annealing was optimized; seeking the highest catalytic activity and stability toward the MO. The PtTi-700 catalyst (that was annealed at 700 degrees C) showed the highest activity (with ca. 11-fold increase in the oxidation current density) and stability (ca. 19-fold increase after 50 cycles of potential scanning between -0.6 and 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl) if compared to the bare (unmodified) Pt electrode. The enhancement in the charge transfer kinetics and significant reduction of the catalyst's poisoning could elaborate the origin of catalysis. (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

In this study, a spin-coated titanium oxide modified platinum catalyst was fabricated and optimized for methanol electro-oxidation. The annealing temperature was adjusted to achieve the highest catalytic activity and stability. The PtTi-700 catalyst annealed at 700 degrees C showed the highest activity and stability, with approximately an 11-fold increase in oxidation current density and a 19-fold increase in stability after 50 potential scanning cycles. The enhancement of charge transfer kinetics and reduction of catalyst poisoning explained the origin of catalysis.