Three-Dimensional Graphene Aerogel Supported on Efficient Anode Electrocatalyst for Methanol Electrooxidation in Acid Media

This work attempted to improve the catalytic performance of an anodic catalyst for use in direct methanol fuel cells by coating graphene aerogel (GA) with platinum nanoparticles. A hydrothermal, freeze-drying, and microwave reduction method were used to load Pt-Ru bimetallic nanoparticles onto a graphene aerogel. The mesoporous structure of a graphene aerogel is expected to enhance the mass transfer in an electrode. XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM described the as-synthesized PtRu/GA. Compared to commercial PtRu/C with the same loading (20%), the electrocatalytic performance of PtRu/GA presents superior stability in the methanol oxidation reaction. Furthermore, PtRu/GA offers an electrochemical surface area of 38.49 m(2)g(-1), with a maximal mass activity/specific activity towards methanol oxidation of 219.78 mAmg(-1)/0.287 mAcm(-2), which is higher than that of commercial PtRu/C, 73.11 mAmg(-1)/0.187 mAcm(-2). Thus, the enhanced electrocatalytic performance of PtRu/GA for methanol oxidation proved that GA has excellent potential to improve the performance of Pt catalysts and tolerance towards CO poisoning.

Automated summary

This study aimed to improve the catalytic performance of an anodic catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells. Platinum nanoparticles were coated on graphene aerogel (GA) using hydrothermal, freeze-drying, and microwave reduction methods. The mesoporous structure of GA enhanced mass transfer in the electrode. The electrocatalytic performance of PtRu/GA showed superior stability and higher methanol oxidation activity compared to commercial PtRu/C.