Simple solid-phase synthesis of hollow graphitic nanoparticles and their application to direct methanol fuel cell electrodes

Hollow graphitic nanoparticles (see Figure) have been synthesized by the simple heat treatment of a mixture containing a polymeric carbon precursor and a transition metal salt, followed by oxidation. When these particles are used as a catalyst support for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) electrode, the current density and maximum power density of the catalyst supported on these particles is higher than those of a commercial catalyst.