Nanocatalysts Prepared by Microwave and Impregnation Methods for Fuel Cell Application

This work reports the preparation of Pt/C and PtCo3O4/C catalysts and shows its catalytic activity for the oxidation of methanol by using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry techniques. Pt nanoparticles were dispersed by two different methods; impregnation and microwave-assisted methods over Vulcan carbon and Co3O4/Vulcan carbon. The prepared catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Catalysts prepared by microwave method showed lower catalytic activity compared to impregnation method, also PtCo3O4/C composite catalysts show in general a better electro-catalytic activity for the oxidation of methanol than Pt/C. High electro-catalytic activities and good stabilities could be attributed to the synergistic effect between Pt and Co3O4. Also the dispersion of Pt nanoparticles on surface support may be improved due to the presence of Co3O4.