Methanol tolerance of CNx oxygen reduction catalysts

Nitrogen-containing carbon nanofiber (CN (x) ) catalysts grown by acetonitrile pyrolysis over 2 wt% Fe, Co, and Ni impregnated supports of alumina, silica and magnesia were tested for methanol tolerance during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) by rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) method. Catalysts tested in acidic electrolytes containing 1-3 M methanol showed no methanol poisoning during ORR and were inactive for methanol oxidation.