Strategic Fabrication of Simplified Ternary Alloy Pt x Cu y Co z Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon-Free Ti0.7W0.3O2 Nanomaterials for Methanol Oxidation Reaction

In the face of a global energy crisis exacerbated by the adverse impacts of fossil fuel consumption, developing cost-effective catalysts with robust activity and durability has become paramount. This study introduces a novel catalyst, Pt6CuCo/Ti0.7W0.3O2, designed to address these pressing energy challenges. The approach involves doping cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu) into platinum (Pt), anchored to a Ti0.7W0.3O2 substrate, to optimize the electronic structure on the Pt surface. This optimization mitigates the adsorption capacity of oxidized species with Pt, thereby enhancing the methanol electro-oxidation reaction (MOR) activity of the material. Furthermore, this innovation overcomes the limitations associated with carbon-based catalysts, significantly bolstering durability. The Pt6CuCo/Ti0.7W0.3O2 catalyst exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic properties, including an onset potential, mass activity, and I f/I b ratio of approximately 0.1 vs NHE, 273.38 m2 gPt –1, and approximately 1.85, respectively. These values are in stark contrast to traditional Pt/C catalysts, which yield an onset potential of approximately 0.45 vs NHE, 193.28 m2 gPt –1, and an I f/I b ratio of approximately 0.89. The results obtained in this study underscore the immense potential of Pt6CuCo/Ti0.7W0.3O2 as a catalyst for MOR development, offering a promising solution to address the prevailing energy challenges and environmental concerns associated with conventional fossil fuel sources.