Increased interface effects of Pt[sbnd]Fe alloy/CeO2/C with Pt[sbnd]Fe selective loading on CeO2 for superior performance in direct methanol fuel cell.

Abstract Here, a simple two-step solvothermal approach has been employed to synthesize Pt Fe alloy (or Pt)/CeO 2 /C with Pt Fe (or Pt) selective loading on CeO 2 nanoparticles. In addition, the selective loading of Pt Fe alloy or Pt nanoparticles on the surface of CeO 2 is achieved under weak alkaline environment, which is mainly attributed to the opposite electrostatic force between H+ enriched on the surface of CeO 2 particles and OH− covered with carbon supporters. As-prepared Pt Fe alloy (or Pt)/CeO 2 /C catalysts with two-stage loading structures show more excellent electro-catalytic efficiency for methanol oxidation as well as duration compared with commercial Pt/C and Pt CeO 2 /C with random loading structure. Further, single-cell assembly based on Pt 3 Fe/CeO 2 /C as the anode catalyst exhibits a maximum power density of 31.1 mW cm−2, which is 1.95 times that of an analogous cell based on the commercial Pt/C. These improved performances with considerable low Pt content (<0.3 mg cm−2) are mainly ascribed to the abundant three phase interfaces (Pt CeO 2 carbon) induced by the selective and efficient dispersion of Pt nanoparticles on ceria. Graphical abstract Pt Fe alloy/CeO 2 /C with Pt Fe selective loading on CeO 2 could be obtained in alkalescent environment and exhibit superior performance in direct methanol fuel cell. Image 1 Highlights • Pt Fe alloy (or Pt)/CeO 2 /C catalysts are provided with selective loading structures. • A simple two-step solvothermal approach has been employed. • The selective loading behavior shows susceptibility to the pH value. • Pt 3 Fe/CeO 2 /C catalyst exhibits optimal performances in MOR and DMFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]