Synthesis of Platinum Nanocrystallites and Possible Electrocatalytic Properties for Methanol

Authors

Lei-lei LU, Institute of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of science, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China;Follow
Bao-zhong DU, Institute of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of science, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China;
Sha SUN, Institute of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of science, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China;
Jin-fen NIU, Institute of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of science, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China;
Jie ZHAO, Institute of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of science, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China;

Corresponding Author

Lei-lei LU(lullxaut@xaut.edu.cn)

Abstract

Platinum nanocrystallites were synthesized by the colloidal method using oxamide as the stabilizer. The morphologies and electrocatalytic performances for methanol of platinum nanocrystallites prepared at different pH values and with different reactant ratios of precursor and stabilizer were investigated. It was found that the platinum nanocrystallites synthesized at pH=5 and with the reactant ratio of 1:20 showed the best electrocatalytic activity for methanol. The peak current density reached up to 1709 μA·cm^-2. Furthermore, the electrocatalytic activity of platinum nanocrystallites for methanol reduced significantly although the cyclic voltammograms in the blank solution were not obviously changed after exposing in air for 3 months. However, the curves changed significantly after sweeping for 100 cycles in the potential region of 0.05 ~ 1.2 V, indicating that the atomic arrangement of crystal surface had been changed. The easily poisoned (100) surface was gradually transformed to the more active (110) surface, resulting in the increase of electrocatalytic activity for methanol.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

platinum nanocrystals, oxamide, direct methanol fuel cell, electrocatalysis

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.13208/j.electrochem.130710

Publication Date

2014-04-28

Online Available Date

2014-04-17

Revised Date

2013-09-28

Received Date

2013-07-10

Recommended Citation

Lei-lei LU, Bao-zhong DU, Sha SUN, Jin-fen NIU, Jie ZHAO. Synthesis of Platinum Nanocrystallites and Possible Electrocatalytic Properties for Methanol[J]. Journal of Electrochemistry, 2014 , 20(2): 171-176.
DOI: 10.13208/j.electrochem.130710
Available at: https://jelectrochem.xmu.edu.cn/journal/vol20/iss2/12