Carbon-embedded carbon nanotubes as supports of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell catalysts

Carbon shells embedded carbon nanotubes can facilitate Pt nanoparticles loading and dispersing on the core-shell nanostructural support. Carbon shells are prepared by coating polyaniline layers on the core (carbon nanotubes) with in-situ polymerization and subsequent carbonization. The carbon shell embedded carbon nanotube supported Pt catalyst reveals high electrochemical active surface area and mass activity, which are the factors of 1.4 times and 2.2 times higher than that of the pristine carbon nanotube supported Pt, respectively. In addition, the carbon shell embedded carbon nanotube supported Pt catalyst has a higher stability than the carbon nanotube supported Pt catalyst. The improved catalytic activity and stability of our new catalyst can be ascribed to the improved dispersion of Pt nanoparticles on surfaces of carbon nanotubes and the interaction between Pt nanoparticles and carbon shells.