Pt-Ru/multi-walled carbon nanotubes as electrocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cell 

 -  International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 33(1), p.427-433, 2008 .
<br/><br/> Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)have been synthesized by hemical vapour deposition technique using AB3 alloy hydride catalyst and platinum supported MWNT (Pt/MWNT)and platinum-ruthenium supported MWNT (Pt-Ru/MWNT)electrocatalysts have been prepared by chemical reduction method. MWNT and electrocatalysts have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM)and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The anode and cathode electrodes of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC)have been fabricated using Pt-Ru/MWNT and 1:1 Pt/MWNT+Pt/C electrocatalyst, respectively. Performances of DMFC with these electrodes have been studied at different temperatures and the results have been discussed. A maximum power density of 39.3mW/cm2 at a current density of 130mA/cm2 has been obtained, which could be attributed to dispersion and accessibility of MWNT support and Pt-Ru in the electrocatalyst mixture for methanol oxidation reaction. 
<br/><br/><label>Subjects--Topical Terms: </label><br/>CARBON NANOTUBES<br/>CATALYST SUPPORT<br/>ELECTROCATALYST<br/>DIRECT METHANOL FUEL CELL<br/>POLARIZATION CHARACTERISTICS