Characterization of nitric acid functionalized carbon black and its evaluation as electrocatalyst support for direct methanol fuel cell applications

Abstract

This study presents results on PtRu electrocatalysts supported on both as received and functionalized carbon black. The electrochemical properties of both home-made and commercial PtRu electrocatalysts were compared to PtRu supported on functionalized carbon black. The PtRu nanoparticles were synthesized by the impregnation method and subsequent alcohol reduction. Transmission electron microscopy experiments revealed that the PtRu electrocatalysts supported on functionalized carbon black are more homogeneously distributed than all other studied materials. Cyclic voltammetric electrocatalyst curves experiments showed higher activity for the PtRu supported on functionalized carbon black. This enhanced performance is related to the better nanoparticle distribution on functionalized carbon black. The better performance can also be inferred by the better nanoparticles utilization. The nanoparticles are now located outside from the pore structure of the carbon black. Hence, the nanoparticles are more exposed and available to the reactants, enhancing the catalyst performance and avoiding the waste of noble catalysts.