SYNTHESIS AND ELECTROCATALYSIS APPLICATION OF HYBRID PLATINUM/CERIUM OXIDE/MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES

The hybrid nanomaterials of platinum/cerium oxide/multi-walled carbon nanotubes ( Pt/CeO2/MWCNTs) are synthesized successfully via impregnation and polyol processes. MWCNTs serve as an excellent supporter where CeO2 nanoparticles are decorated with well-distributed Pt nanoparticles. Images show the average particle size of crystalline Pt and CeO2 on MWCNTs are 3-7 and 20-30 nm, respectively. In electrochemical reaction, the redox peak of Pt/CeO2-700 degrees C/MWCNTs reveals lower potential and higher current density in methanol electro-oxidation than those of other Pt-based ones. The study indicates that the cerium oxide in Pt/CeO2-700 degrees C/MWCNTs catalyst will enhance significantly the oxygen ions transportation between the interface of Pt and MWCNTs to eliminate the CO poison effect on Pt catalyst.