Tungsten monocarbide as potential replacement of platinum for methanol electrooxidation

Polycrystalline tungsten monocarbide (WC) surfaces are synthesized and evaluated as a potential replacement of platinum (Pt) electrocatalysts. A combined approach utilizing ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) and electrochemical techniques demonstrates that WC possesses the following prerequisites for alternative electrocatalysts: high activity toward methanol decomposition, improved resistance to poisoning by CO, and promising electrochemical stability.