γ-Ray irradiation as highly efficient approach for synthesis of supported high Pt loading cathode catalyst for application in direct methanol fuel cell

In this study, a gamma-ray irradiation approach without addition of any commonly used reducing chemicals has been explored to synthesize carbon-supported high Pt loading (i.e., 80 wt.%) cathode catalyst for direct methanol fuel cell. Compared with the Pt catalyst prepared by impregnation-NaBH4 reduction approach, the supported Pt catalyst synthesized by gamma-ray irradiation has better dispersion of Pt nano-particles on the carbon support with smaller particle size and narrower size distribution and has demonstrated enhanced catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction and improved fuel cell performance. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.