EDTA-Ce(III) Modified Pt Vulcan XC-72 Catalyst Synthesis for Methanol Oxidation in Acid Solution

Cerium modified Pt nanoparticles catalysts have been prepared using Ce(III)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) chemistry with an impregnation method of 20 % Pt/Carbon Vulcan XC-72. EDTA was used as a chelating agent to form a Ce+3 complex to achieve good dispersion of ceria on Pt/C, as shown by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. X-ray absorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies showed the presence of Ce+3. Different Ce to Pt atomic ratios have been examined to optimize the catalyst material for methanol oxidation. Half-cell and direct methanol fuel cell studies were done. The electrochemical result demonstrated a higher fuel cell activity for the Ce(III)-EDTA modified 20 % Pt/Carbon Vulcan XC-72 anode material. This was observed in half-cell, with lower onset potentials, and direct methanol fuel cell conditions, with higher power densities while maintaining similar Pt loading.