Preparation and electrocatalytic performance of the Pt supported on the alkali-treated nanoporous TiO2 material

In this work, we prepared a Pt/TiO2 electrocatalyst for methanol electrooxidation. The Pt nanoparticles were loaded on the alkali-treated nanoporous TiO2 by a convenient deposition method. The morphology of the nanoporous TiO2 was depended on the alkali treatment time. After 15-min alkali treatment, the flocculent-liked nanostructure was formed, and the specific surface area of the material was the largest. The amounts as well as the size and distribution of Pt nanoparticles were controlled by loading times. The catalytic activities of the catalysts toward methanol electrooxidation were tested in the alkaline condition. The alkali treatment time and chemical loading time were the key factors that influenced the catalytic activities. The optimal catalytic activity was achieved when the loading time was six.