Cerium oxide-modified surfaces of several carbons as supports for a platinum-based anode electrode for methanol electro-oxidation

Abstract Catalyst composites based on Pt and CeO2 on carbon for methanol oxidation were successively prepared for application in direct-methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). In this work, the catalyst was modified by decoration of CeO2 onto several carbons, including carbon black (CB), carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and mixed carbons, followed by the electrochemical deposition of Pt. The dispersal of CeO2 and Pt nanoparticles onto the carbon surfaces was confirmed with a face-centred cubic structure. The use of single and mixed carbons takes admirable advantage of the coexisting CeO2 and Pt nanoparticles, confirming the positive effect of various carbon structures for electrocatalytic enhancement towards methanol oxidation. The CeO2 also improves the ability for CO oxidation, resulting in a reduction of CO poisoning. The outcomes show an enhancement of the activity and stability so that such alternative as-prepared materials can be introduced to improve the anodic oxidation in DMFCs.