Sputter deposition of multi-element nanoparticles as electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation

Fabrication of multi-element nanoparticles on noncatalyzed gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) by radio frequency sputter deposition was reported. X-ray diffraction analysis of the as-deposited films indicated crystalline fee phases while energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope confirmed their composition as Pt50Fe11Co10Ni11Cu10Ag8. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed nanoparticulate nodules growing on the carbon particles. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was employed to analyze their methanol oxidation abilities for direct methanol fuel cells. The CV responses improved upon cycling and became stabilized after 70 cycles. The areas under the CV curves were proportional to the amount of nanoparticles deposited. In mass activities the GDE with 5 nm nanoparticles demonstrated the highest values of 400-600 mA/mg. In comparing with Pt and Pt43Ru57, the Pt43Ru57 exhibited the lowest onset potential with the highest mass activities. Our work presents preliminary information on the catalytic behaviors of multi-element nanoparticles which is likely to bring new directions in catalyst design.