Enhanced Electrochemical Activity of Pt Supported on Three-Dimensional WO3•0.33H2O Networks for Methanol and Ethanol Oxidation

Tungsten oxide (WO3 center dot 0.33H(2)O) networks and nanorods were prepared by a hydrothermal method. Platinum nanoparticles were distributed on the two types of WO3 center dot 0.33H(2)O nanostructures for the methanol and ethanol electrooxidation. The synthesized WO3 center dot 0.33H(2)O nanostructures and WO3 center dot 0.33H(2)O supported platinum (Pt/WO3 center dot 0.33H(2)O) catalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and high resolution transmission electron microscope. The electrocatalytic properties of the Pt/WO3 center dot 0.33H(2)O composites for the methanol and ethanol oxidation were investigated systematically by typical electrochemical methods and compared with that of Pt supported on carbon nanoparticles. The Pt/WO3 center dot 0.33H(2)O network-shaped catalyst shows much higher electrocatalytic activity than that of the other two electrocatalysts as a result of its specific morphology that provides multidimensional active sites and radial channels for liquid diffusion. (C) 2013 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.