Supported PtRu on mesoporous carbons for direct methanol fuel cells

We prepared and characterized several cryogel mesoporous carbons of different pore size distribution and report the catalytic activity of PtRu supported on mesoporous carbons of pore size >15 nm in passive and in active direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). At room temperature (RT), the specific maximum power of the passive DMFCs with mesoporous carbon/PtRu systems as anode was in the range 3-5 W g(-1). Passive DMFC assembly and RT tests limit the performance of the electrocatalytic systems and the anodes were thus tested in active DMFCs at 30, 60 and 80 degrees C. Their responses were also compared to those of commercial Vulcan carbon/PtRu. At 80 degrees C, the specific maximum power of the active DMFC with C656/PtRu was 37W g(-1) and the required amount of Pt per kW estimated at 0.4 V cell voltage was 31 g kW(-1), a valueless than half that of Vulcan carbon/PtRu. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.