Tin/platinum bimetallic nanotube array and its electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation

A well-aligned Sn/Pt bimetallic nanotube array is fabricated by directly evaporating tin onto a porous anodic aluminum oxide film followed by electrodeposition of platinum. The composite nanostructures contain a large number of Pt nanoparticles inlaying the inner-wall surfaces of the Sn nanotubes. The novel Sn/Pt nanotube array shows remarkable activity toward methanol oxidation and hence could be used as an effective anode for direct methanol fuel cells (see Figure).