Investigation on C-TiO₂ nanotubes composite as Pt catalyst support for methanol electrooxidation

In this paper, Pt nanoparticles have been successfully deposited on the mixture of carbon black and one-dimensional self-ordered TiO₂ nanotubes (TNTs) array by a microwave-assisted polyol process to synthesize Pt/C-TNTs catalyst. TiO₂ nanoparticles (TNPs) are used instead of TNTs to prepare catalyst as a reference. The obtained samples are characterized by physical characterization and electrochemical measurements. The results show that Pt nanoparticles are uniformly deposited on the three-phase interfaces between carbon and TNTs. The Pt/C-TNTs possesses substantially enhanced activity and stability in electrochemical performance. Such remarkable properties are due to the excellent composite carrier of C-TNTs: (1) TNTs has strong corrosion resistance in acidic and oxidative environment and a metal support interaction between Pt and TNTs; (2) Compared to TNPs, TNTs is more suitable for electro-catalytic field on account of its better electronic conductivity; (3) Compared to TNPs, TNTs can improve the anti-poisoning ability of catalyst for methanol oxidation. (4) Amorphous carbon can improve the dispersion of platinum particles; (5) The distribution of carbon improves the poor conductivity of TNTs. These studies indicate that Pt/C-TNTs compound is a promising catalyst for methanol electrooxidation.