Different nanostructure cathode catalysts application for direct methanol fuel cell

Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) belongs to the same family of energy conversion device and the application of new hydrogen storage nanomaterials such as carbon nanotube (CNTs) supported catalysts is being addressed in an increasing industrial approach. In this present study, multiwall carbon nanotube supported Pt and Pt‐Ni nanoparticles were prepared as cathode catalysts for direct methanol fuel cell application. Transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction analyses indicated the formation of well‐dispersed Pt and Pt‐Ni nanoparticles having sizes of around 2 ∼ 4 nm on carbon nanotube. Furthermore, the electrochemical characterization by the cyclic voltammetry (CV) demonstrated that these catalysts have higher catalytic activity and the methanol oxidation reaction of the Pt‐Ni/CNTs is respectively almost similar and slightly higher than Pt/CNTs electrocatalysts. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)