Hollow graphitic carbon spheres for Pt electrocatalyst support in direct methanol fuel cell

Hollow graphitic carbon spheres (HGCSs) with a high surface area are produced by the carbonization of hollow polymer spheres obtained by the polymerization of core/shell-structured pyrrole micelles. HGCSs are employed as a carbon support material in a direct methanol fuel cell catalyst, and their effect on the electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation is investigated. Pt catalyst supported on HGCSs shows a better electrocatalytic activity compared to that on Vulcan XC-72, which has been commonly used in fuel cell catalysts. The observed enhancement in the electrocatalytic activity is attributed to the improved electronic conductivity and high surface area of HGCSs. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.