Nanostructured WC < inf> x /CNTs as highly efficient support of electrocatalysts with low Pt loading for oxygen reduction reaction
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-30-2010
Abstract
Highly active Pt-WCx/carbon nanotube (CNT) electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have been developed by the combination of tungsten carbide with CNTs as electrocatalyst supports. The obtained WC x/CNT and Pt-WCx/CNT samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, XPS and electrochemical measurements. The results showed that nanostructured tungsten carbide particles on carbon nanotubes could be prepared by microwave-assisted thermolytic molecular precursor method, and the particle size of tungsten carbide increased with the increase of tungsten loading. The nanostructured WCx/CNTs showed electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction. The deposition of Pt nanoparticles on the WC x/CNTs resulted in higher electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction and better immunity to methanol than Pt/CNT catalysts. The unique electrocatalytic properties of the novel Pt-WCx/CNT electrocatalyst were attributed to a synergistic effect between Pt, WC x and the CNTs. The findings also indicated that WCx/CNTs were efficient electrocatalyst supports that could reduce Pt usage while the same electrocatalytic properties were kept for the ORR in direct methanol fuel cells. © 2010 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Publication Title
Energy and Environmental Science
Recommended Citation
Liang, C.,
Ding, L.,
Li, C.,
Pang, M.,
Su, D.,
Li, W.,
&
Wang, Y.
(2010).
Nanostructured WC < inf> x /CNTs as highly efficient support of electrocatalysts with low Pt loading for oxygen reduction reaction.
Energy and Environmental Science,
3(8), 1121-1127.
http://doi.org/10.1039/c001423k
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/8491