MoS2 nanoflower supported Pt nanoparticle as an efficient electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation reaction

Developing highly active and stable ethanol oxidation electrocatalysts is crucial for direct ethanol fuel cells. Herein, platinum/molybdenum disulfide nanoflower (Pt/MoS2) nanocomposite is synthesized through a facile method and is first applied as catalyst for ethanol oxidation reaction. In situ electrochemical nuclear magnetic resonance is carried out to investigate the electrocatalytic activity of Pt/MoS2 and the detailed mechanism of ethanol oxidation reaction. Experimental results indicate that in situ electrochemical nuclear magnetic resonance possesses great advantages for real-time investigation of ethanol oxidation reaction, and Pt/MoS2 is found to exhibit better electrocatalytic performances in terms of higher current density, better stability, and stronger anti-poisoning activity compared to commercial Pt/C and pure Pt catalysts in acid electrolyte, suggesting its potential for application in direct ethanol fuel cells. Density functional theory calculations indicate that MoS2-supported Pt atom has a smaller energy barrier for the dissociation of ethanol compared to those of Pt and C-supported Pt atom, leading to the enhancement of catalytic activity. This work reveals the importance of the supporting materials for high performance direct ethanol fuel cells catalysts.