Development of Anode Nano Electrocatalysts for Direct Oxidation Methanol Fuel Cell

Abstract

Different combinations of synthesized electrocatalyst e.g. Platinum transtion metals Pt-M (M = Co, Cu, Ni), two sets of Platinum transtion metal oxides Pt-MOx; the first set is (MOx= NiO, CuO, CoO, Fe2O3), the second set is (MOx=V2O5, IrO2, RuO2, SnO2), one Pt-Mixed- MOx (M=CuOCoO) and one non platinum electrocatalyst composed of Pd-Ni alloy have been investigated for direct oxidation of methanol in fuel cells application. Different preparation methods have been used (i.e. impregnation, microwave and polyol methods) including the variation of preparation parameters like the reducing agent type, concentration and the microwave time. Different supporting materials namely, carbon Vulcan XC-72R, Multi and Single Wall Carbon Nano Tubes have been used. Physical characterization has been conducting through using X-ray Diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray analyses. Electrochemical characterization of the prepared electrocatlysts was performed using cyclic voltammograms and chronoamperometry techniques in 0.5 M H2SO5 and 0.5 M KOH and different methanol concentrations. Some of the prepared electrocatalysts were tested in a complete single cell. Physical