Well-Dispersed PtAu Nanoparticles Loaded into Anodic Titania Nanotubes: A High Antipoison and Stable Catalyst System for Methanol Oxidation in Alkaline Media

PtAu nanoparticles, ca. 20 nm in diameter, are electrochemically deposited inside the titania nanotubes (NTs) fabricated by anodization of titanium in fluoride-ion-containing electrolyte. The catalytic activities of the resulting architecture in the catalytic oxidation of methanol in sodium hydrate medium and sulfuric medium are investigated. FTIR spectroscopy in the spectra reflectance mode is used to elucidate the catalytic mechanism in alkaline media through identifying species adsorbed on the electrode surface during the reaction. The enhanced catalytic activity in alkaline media is attributed to the high affinity of the Au nanoparticles and titania NTs to the abundant −OH groups and the synergistic catalytic effects of platinum−gold (PtAu) nanoparticles.