Synthesis of Mesoporous Carbon from Okara and Application as Electrocatalyst Support

Carbon materials derived from biomass are economical and simple. Here, a okara-derived carbon (ODC) was prepared by carbonized cheap and abundant okara at 800 degrees C in N-2 atmosphere. A high degree of graphitization, mesoporous structure and large specific surface area of ODC were proved by Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra and scanning electron microscope. The ODC can be used as support of platinum nanoparticles, and the catalytic performance for methanol electro-oxidation of its was measured by cyclic voltammetry and CO stripping voltammetry. The results showed that Pt/ODC catalyst had higher electrocatalytic activity and the resistance to poisoning ability toward methanol electrooxidation than the Pt/C catalyst prepared under the same conditions.