Pt nanoparticles supported on submicrometer-sized TiO2 spheres for effective methanol and ethanol oxidation

High electrocatalytic activity for alcohol electrooxidation by Pt nanoparticles supported on submicrometer-sized TiO2 spheres is achieved. The Pt nanoparticles with a diameter of 8-20 nm are uniformly coated on the surface of the submicrometer-sized TiO2 spheres with a diameter of 370-500 nm via a simple wet chemical synthesis. The electrocatalytic performances of the Pt/TiO2 submicrometer-sized TiO2 spheres for methanol and ethanol in acidic and alkaline media are investigated systematically by electrochemical methods. Compared with the Pt catalyst supported on the commercial carbon black, the Pt/TiO2 spheres exhibit an excellent enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability owing to the mesoporous active sites, synergistic effect of Pt/TiO2, and micro-channels for liquid diffusion and gaseous product to escape. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.