The oriented growth of tungsten oxide in ordered mesoporous carbon and their electrochemical performance

Abstract

Electrocatalysts for hydrogen oxidation and methanol oxidation are the heart of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell. In spite of tremendous efforts, developing low-cost anodic electrocatalysts with high catalytic activity and corrosion resistance is still a great challenge. Here, we report a nanocomposite consisting of oriented WO₃ nanorods grown in ordered mesoporous carbon as a high-performance functional catalyst carrier for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. As a result of the catalytic graphitization effect of tungsten compounds, the degree of graphitization and conductivity of mesoporous carbon film were improved even at a low temperature. Furthermore, compared with ordered mesoporous carbon, ordered mesoporous C–WO₃ nanocomposites possess favorable hydrophilicity, excellent corrosion resistance and notable electrocatalytic activities. The unusual electrocatalytic activities arise from the ideal physical properties of the carrier and synergetic catalysis between Pt and WO₃.