High electrocatalytic activity of PtRu nanoparticles supported on starch-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes for ethanol oxidation

Abstract

The high-performance PtRu electrocatalysts on ethylenediamine modified cross-linked starch-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes have been synthesized by the polyol process. The method was simple and can be carried out at room temperature without the use of expensive chemicals or corrosive acids, thus preserving the integrity and the electronic structure of the nanotubes. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the PtRu is well distributed with no formation of aggregates. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry studies indicate the material had a higher electrochemically active surface area, electrocatalytic activity and stability for the electro-oxidation of ethanol compared to that of PtRu electrocatalysts supported on conventional acid-treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes and on XC-72 carbon black.