Pt supported on Mo2C particles with synergistic effect and strong interaction force for methanol electro-oxidation

• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2013.02.031
• Publication Date: 2013-02-15T03:23:41Z
• Authors: Zaoxue Yan; Hongen Wang; Meiping Zhang; Zhifeng Jiang; Tingshun Jiang; Jimin Xie
• Keywords: 01 natural sciences; 7. Clean energy; 0104 chemical sciences

Abstract Molybdenum carbide (Mo 2 C) particles on carbonized resin (C–Mo 2 C) were successfully synthesized through ionic exchange process. The diameter from 3 nm to 50 nm of the Mo 2 C particles can be easily controlled by adjusting the experimental parameters. Pt nanoparticles were then loaded on the C–Mo 2 C to form Pt/C–Mo 2 C electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation in acidic media. The above materials were characterized by XRD, TEM, TG, EDS, XPS and cyclic voltammograms measurements. The results show that Pt/C–Mo 2 C gives 1.7 times higher peak current density and 100 mV more negative onset potential than that of commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst at the same Pt loadings. Moreover, Pt/C–Mo 2 C shows higher electrochemical stability than that of Pt/C. The improved catalytic activity is due to the synergistic effect of Mo 2 C on Pt; the improved electrochemical stability is related to the strong interaction force between Pt and Mo 2 C. Since Pt/C–Mo 2 C carries higher catalytic activity and stability comparing with Pt/C, less Pt will be required for the same performance and it will in turn reduce the cost of fuel cell electrocatalyst.