One step NaBH4 reduction of Pt-Ru-Ni catalysts on different types of carbon supports for direct ethanol fuel cells: Synthesis and characterization

The ternary catalyst Pt₇₅Ru₅Ni₂₀ was conducted on various types of carbon supports including functionalized Vulcan XC-72R (f-CB), functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNT), and mesoporous carbon (PC-Zn-succinic) by sodium borohydride chemical reduction method to improve the ethanol electrooxidation reaction (EOR) for direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC). It was found that the particle size of the metals on f-MWCNT was 5.20 nm with good particle dispersion. The alloy formation of ternary catalyst was confirmed by XRD and more clearly described by SEM element mapping, which was relevant to the efficiency of the catalysts. Moreover, the mechanism of ethanol electrooxidation reaction based on the surface reaction was more understanding. The activity and stability for ethanol electrooxidation reaction (EOR) were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, respectively. The highest activity and stability for EOR were observed from Pt₇₅Ru₅Ni₂₀/f-MWCNT due to a good metal-carbon interaction. Ru and Ni presented in Pt-Ru-Ni alloy improved the activity and stability of ternary catalysts for EOR. Moreover, the reduction of Pt content in ternary catalyst led to the catalyst cost deduction in DEFC.     

《光谱学与光谱分析》投稿简则

《光谱学与光谱分析》是由中国科协主管，中国光学学会主办，钢铁研究总院、中国科学院物理研究所、北京大学、清华大学共同承办的专业学术期刊。国内外公开发行，从2004年起为月刊，大16开本，2009年仍为月刊，每期288页。《光谱学与光谱分析》主要报道我国光谱学与光谱分析领域内具有创新性科研成果，及时反映国内外光谱学与光谱分析的进展和动态；发现并培育人才；推动和促进光谱学与光谱分析的发展。为科教兴国服务。读者对象为从事光谱学与光谱分析的科研人员、教学人员、分析测试人员和科研管理干部。