Microwave-assisted synthesis of high-loading, highly dispersed Pt/carbon aerogel catalyst for direct methanol fuel cell

Abstract

A Pt supported on carbon aerogel catalyst has been synthesized by the microwave-assisted polyol process. The Pt supported on carbon aerogel catalyst was characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show a uniform dispersion of spherical Pt nanoparticles 2.5-3.0 nm in diameter. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used to evaluate the electrocatalytic activity of the Pt/carbon aerogel catalyst for methanol oxidation at room temperature. The Pt/carbon aerogel catalyst shows higher electrochemical catalytic activity and stability for methanol oxidation than a commercial Pt/C catalyst of the same Pt loading. © Indian Academy of Sciences.