Synthesis and activation of Pt-based bimetallic nanoparticles for anode catalysts of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs)

INOR 481

Zhufang Liu, liu001@bama.ua.edu, Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0336, Shishou Kang, Center for Materials for Information Technology, The University of Alabama, Box 870209, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0209, Dwayne F. Reed, capn64@yahoo.com, Department of Chemistry and Center for Materials for Information Technology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0209, Mohammad Shamsuzzoha, Central Analytical Facility, University of Alabama, Box 870164, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0164, and David E Nikles, dnikles@mint.ua.edu, Department of Chemistry and Center for Materials for Information Technology, The University of Alabama, Box 870209, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0209.
Pt-based bimetallic nanoparticles are promising CO-tolerant anode catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Their catalytic activity is strongly dependent on particle size, size distribution, composition and dispersion. In this work, Pt/Ru, Pt/Sn and Pt/Re nanoparticles with controlled sizes and compositions were prepared by the colloidal method, using oleylamine and oleic acid as capping agents. Non-thermal or low-temperature treatments were devised to remove the capping agents bound to particle surface, activating the catalytic activity of particles. More importantly, no particle sintering and oxidation were observed during the activation procedures. Cyclic voltammetry and CO stripping study of the activated nanoparticles supported on carbon indicated that the catalysts had high activity for both methanol and CO oxidation and could be potentially utilized as anode catalysts for DMFCs.
 

Nanoscience: Applications
8:30 AM-12:10 PM, Tuesday, August 21, 2007 BCEC -- 209, Oral

Division of Inorganic Chemistry

The 234th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23, 2007