FexC-C hybrid material as a support for Pt anode catalyst in direct formic acid fuel cell

FexC-C hybrid material as a support for Pt anode catalyst in direct formic acid fuel cell was investigated for the first time. The resultant Pt/FexC-C catalysts were prepared by using a simple reduction reaction to load Pt on FexC-C hybrid material, which was synthesized through the carbonization of sucrose and Fe(NO3)(3). It was found that the Pt/FexC-C catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic activity for formic acid electrooxidation. The great improvement in the catalytic performance is attributed to the fact that FexC-C hybrid material ameliorated the tolerance to CO adsorption of Pt and facilitated the uniform dispersion of Pt. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.