Nanoarchitectonics for modulation on the electronic structure of ultrafine PtRuFe nanowires as robust methanol electrooxidation catalysts

The widespread adoption of Pt-based electrocatalysts in the anode side of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) faces challenges stemming from their limited activity, stability, and high cost. Herein, ultrafine PtRuxFey trimetallic nanowires (PtRuxFey NWs) with a diameter of approximately 1.25 nm were synthesized for the electrocatalytic methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). The structure-activity relationship between the electronic structure of PtRuxFey NWs and their electrocatalytic performance was established by meticulously controlling the addition of Ru(acac)3 and Fe(Ac)2. Under optimal conditions, PtRu0.25Fe0.14 NWs displayed remarkable MOR performance, boasting the mass activity (1332.3 mA mgPt−1) and specific activity (1.0 mA cm−2), a 4.0-fold and 1.8-fold enhancement over that of the commercial catalysts. Additionally, after a chronoamperometry test, PtRu0.25Fe0.14 NWs demonstrated a current density 8.3 times higher than that of Pt/C under the same test conditions. The excellent MOR performance of PtRuxFey NWs can be attributed to their one-dimensional and ultrafine structure advantages, the electronic effects of Ru/Fe on Pt, and the bifunctional capabilities. Our research may lead to a simple and controllable strategy that combines various approaches to enhance the performance of Pt-based electrocatalysts in the anode of DMFC.