Stable Pt–Ru∕C Catalysts Prepared from New Precursors by Thermal Reduction for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

This research is aimed at improving the activity of Pt–Ru alloy catalysts, thus to lower the catalyst loading in anodes for methanol electro-oxidation. The direct methanol fuel cell’s (DMFC’s) anodic catalysts as Pt – Ru ∕ C were prepared from Pt ( N H 3 ) 2 ( N O 2 ) 2 and self-prepared Ru compound as precursors at different temperatures and times of duration during their reduction. Their performances were examined by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry with a glassy carbon working electrode made from them. The particle size and its distribution of the catalysts were determined by means of transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The activity and stability of Pt – Ru ∕ C catalysts prepared from Pt ( N H 3 ) 2 ( N O 2 ) 2 and self-prepared Ru compound as precursors is higher than those from H 2 Pt Cl 6 and Ru Cl 3 by chemical or thermal reduction. The times and temperatures of thermal reduction affect the performance of Pt – Ru ∕ C catalysts. The particle size of Pt – Ru ∕ C catalysts increases with increasing temperature. The catalytic activity of Pt – Ru ∕ C catalysts prepared at 360 ° C is higher than that of those prepared at 320 and 400 ° C . The particle size of Pt – Ru ∕ C catalysts increases with the duration of reduction time. After 2 h at 360 ° C of reduction it is small, about 3.7 nm , and the catalytic activity is higher than those after 1 and 3 h of reduction.