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Highly methanol-tolerant platinum electrocatalyst derived from poly(vinylpoyrrolidone) coating
Zehui Yang1, Ying Ling1, Yunfeng Zhang1
1Sustainable Energy Laboratory, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences Wuhan, 388 Lumo RD, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China.
Nanotechnology
|December 29, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed a new methanol-tolerant electrocatalyst for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) coating on platinum nanoparticles enhances catalyst stability and performance, crucial for efficient fuel cell operation.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Conversion
Background:
- Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) face challenges with methanol tolerance in electrocatalysts.
- Developing stable and efficient cathodic electrocatalysts is critical for DMFC performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a novel methanol-tolerant electrocatalyst for DMFCs.
- To enhance the stability and methanol tolerance of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Pt nanoparticles coated with poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) using polybenzimidazole (PBI) assistance.
- Evaluation of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and methanol tolerance under varying methanol concentrations.
- Assessment of electrochemical surface area stability through potential cycling.
Main Results:
- PVP coating negligibly affects ORR activity but retards methanol oxidation.
- PVP-coated electrocatalysts exhibit higher ORR activity and methanol tolerance.
- Enhanced Pt stability with only 14% electrochemical surface area loss after cycling, outperforming non-coated and commercial catalysts.
- Achieved 4-5 times higher power density compared to controls with 12 M methanol feeding.
Conclusions:
- PVP coating significantly improves Pt stability and methanol tolerance in DMFCs.
- The study presents a cost-effective method for high-methanol-tolerant Pt electrocatalysts.
- Findings offer valuable insights for addressing methanol crossover issues in real DMFC applications.
