Stable PtNiPb/WC catalyst for direct Methanol fuel cells

Abstract

Tungsten carbide (WC) was prepared by carbothermal synthesis in 900°C. PtNiPb catalysts with homemade WC and XC-72 carbon black as supports, respectively, were prepared. Their performances were tested through cyclic voltammetric, chronoamperometric, and current density-time curves. Electrochemical activity for methanol electro-oxidation of PtNiPb/WC catalyst is evidently higher than that of PtNiPbC before accelerated durability testing. Its activity is also markedly higher than that of the latter after an accelerated durability test. These results indicate that the WC as a support can improve the activity and stability of PtNiPb catalyst due to usage of WC and its stability in acidic medium. © 2008 The Electrochemical Society.