Synthesis and characterization of Pt/ZnO@SWCNT/Fe3O4 as a powerful catalyst for anodic part of direct methanol fuel cell reaction

Platinum is a preferred metal in fuel cell applications owing to its superior catalytic activity; Platinum's high cost and CO poisoning in oxidation processes, limit its usage as a standalone catalyst. At this point, it is important to develop new intermediate tolerant electrocatalysts. In this study, Zinc Oxide/Single Wall Carbon Nanotube/Iron oxide (ZnO@SWCNT/Fe3O4) catalyst was obtained by using ZnO, SWCNT/Fe3O4 support material, and Zinc Oxide/Single Platinum/Wall Carbon Nanotube/Iron oxide (Pt/ZnO@SWCNT/Fe3O4) catalyst was obtained by chemical synthesis method by adding Pt metal. With these catalysts, the efficiency of the use of Pt was examined within the scope of the study, and reducing limiting factors by using a low amount of Pt, at the same time, it is aimed to prepare a high electrocatalyst. The morphological structure of the obtained catalysts was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Methanol oxidation reactions (MOR) were conducted to determine the electrochemical performance of the catalysts. In the results obtained, it was observed that the current value obtained as a result of the Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) of the ZnO@SWCNT/Fe3O4 catalyst was 103.36 mA/cm2, and the current value obtained as a result of the CV of the Pt/ZnO@SWCNT/ Fe3O4 catalyst was 362.46 mA/cm2. The results showed high stability for both catalysts, and it was seen that Pt increased the conductivity, methanol oxidation performance, and sta-bility in the catalyst. The obtained catalysts showed high potential for methanol oxidation and are promising for fuel cell applications.& COPY; 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.