Large scale restructuring of porous Pt-Ni nanoparticle tubes for methanol oxidation: A highly reactive, stable, and restorable fuel cell catalyst

Abstract

We report a large scale restructuring of porous Pt-Ni nanoparticle tubes for electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol, showing high catalytic activity, stability and resistance to poisoning. The surface restructuring highly improved the electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) by potential cycling in a strong acid electrolyte at room temperature. After a long-time stability test, the ECSA can be restored to its initial value after another potential cycling, thus this kind of electrocatalyst shows the potential possibility for next-generation highly restorable catalysts in direct methanol fuel cells.