Revealing the Effect of Surface Composition on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Supported Pt-Fe Alloy Electrocatalysts for Methanol Oxidation Performance

The designs of efficient and inexpensive Pt-based catalysts for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) are essential to boost the commercialization of direct methanol fuel cells. Here, the highly catalytic performance PtFe alloys supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorating nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) have been successfully prepared via co-engineering of the surface composition and electronic structure. The Pt1Fe3@NC/MWCNTs catalyst with moderate Fe3+ feeding content (0.86 mA/mg(Pt)) exhibits 2.26-fold enhancement in MOR mass activity compared to pristine Pt/C catalyst (0.38 mA/mg(Pt)). Furthermore, the CO oxidation initial potential of Pt1Fe3@NC/MWCNTs catalyst is lower relative to Pt/C catalyst (0.71 V and 0.80 V). Benefited from the optimal surface compositions, the anti-corrosion ability of MWCNT, strong electron interaction between PtFe alloys and MWCNTs and the N-doped carbon (NC) layer, the Pt1Fe3@NC/MWCNTs catalyst presents an improved MOR performance and anti-CO poisoning ability. This study would open up new perspective for designing efficient electrocatalysts for the DMFCs field.

Automated summary

Designing efficient and inexpensive Pt-based catalysts is crucial for the commercialization of direct methanol fuel cells. In this study, highly catalytic performance PtFe alloys supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated with nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) were successfully prepared by co-engineering the surface composition and electronic structure. The Pt1Fe3@NC/MWCNTs catalyst exhibited significantly improved mass activity in methanol oxidation reaction and lower CO oxidation initial potential compared to the pristine Pt/C catalyst, thanks to the optimal surface compositions, anti-corrosion ability of MWCNTs, strong electron interaction, and the N-doped carbon layer.