Fabrication of layered porous TiO2/carbon fiber paper decorated by Pt nanoparticles using atomic layer deposition for efficient methanol electro-oxidation

A novel anode electrode consisting of Pt NPs on layered porous TiO2/CFP (Pt/LP-TiO2/CFP) was fabricated by an innovative approach, which can be directly integrated in membrane electrode assembly (MEA) as the catalyst layer without any binder. Firstly, a two-step anodization method was applied to prepare a layered porous TiO2 on the CFP as a hybrid support, and then Pt NPs are deposited onto it by atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology. It effectively prevents Pt nanoparticles from detachment, migration, and aggregation during the catalyst preparation and electrochemical reaction process. The electrocatalytic performance of Pt/LP-TiO2/CFP electrode for methanol oxidation reaction exhibits excellent mass activity (1182.8 mA m(Pt)(-1)), enhanced stability, and CO tolerance, which is much better than those of the Pt/HT-TiO2/CFP and the Pt/C/CFP electrode prepared by conventional hydrothermal and spray method, respectively. The reason can be attributed to the unique structure of layered porous TiO2 supports, strong metal - support interactions (SMSI) between AID Pt NPs and the LP-TiO2/CFP, and more exposed active sites for methanol oxidation. The presented ALD approach is an effective strategy for the homogeneous distribution of precious Pt nanoparticles on a binder-free and porous electrode for the design of advanced catalysts.