Ultra-low Pt-decorated NiCu bimetallic alloys nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide for electro-oxidation of methanol

Abstract

The selectivity of catalyst is an essential factor in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) and plays an important role to improve their performance. To this end, platinum (Pt)-based low-cost trimetallic catalysts have been developed. The catalyst comprising ultra-low Pt-decorated NiCu bimetallic alloys nanoparticles fabricated on reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The series of Pt-NiCu/rGO nanocomposites were synthesized with different compositions to obtain the optimal conditioned material. The electrochemical results showed good performance for the electro-oxidation of methanol at anodic end of DMFCs. These outcomes opened up a broad avenue for developing lower cost-active catalysts with better performance for DMFCs.