Selective cathode catalysts for mixed-reactant alkaline alcohol fuel cells

A highly selective Ag-W2C/C electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction is developed for potential application in mixed-reactant alcohol fuel cells. The catalyst are prepared by an intermittent microwave heating (IMH) method. Both the W2C/C and Ag-W2C/C show catalytic activity for oxygen reduction in alkaline media. The introduction of W2C into the Ag/C results in an enhanced activity that is evidenced by a positive movement in the onset potential and an increased current density at the same conditions. The novelty of the Ag-W2C/C catalyst is the high selectivity for oxygen reduction in the presence of alcohol.