Preparation of carbon supported PtCu catalyst and its electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol
Carbon supported PtCu nanocatalysts with different atomic ratios were synthesized by microwaveassisted method in ethylene glycol system(EG)using L-ascorbic acid(VC)as a reductant.The prepared catalysts were used to electrocatalysis methanol under a-cidic conditions.The electrocatalytic activity and stability were studied by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry techniques.These catalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffractometer and field emission scanning electron microscope.The electrochemical test results show that the catalyst reduced at pH=5 has the highest activity and the best stability when the atomic ratio of Pt:Cu=1:l.It was found that the catalyst has the smallest particle size,the largest specific surface area and a uniform distribution,which is consistent with the test results,indicating excellent electrocatalytic oxidation activity for methanol.It has wide value in reducing the cost and im-proving catalyst activity of platinum-based catalysts.