Pt nanotube network with high activity for methanol oxidation

Abstract: Electrocatalysts with high performance, increased stability, and high surface area are essential for the widespread commercialization of fuel cells. Nanostructured materials emerge as potential candidates to meet these targets. We report on the synthesis and characterization of a nanostructured platinum electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation. Using a simple, one-step electroless method, an interconnected platinum nanotube network was prepared. The highly ordered, high-surface-area catalyst exhibited enhanced current density and durability for methanol oxidation. The catalyst shows a peak current density of 1.43 mA cm⁻² at 50 mV s⁻¹ and retained 25% of its initial activity after 1 h. The high catalytic activity is a result of increased Pt–OH formation on nanocrystal aggregates at lower potentials. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].