Stable PtNiPb/WC Catalyst for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

摘要

Tungsten carbide (WC) was prepared by carbothermal synthesis in 900 degrees C. PtNiPb catalysts with homemade WC and XC-72 carbon black as supports, respectively, were prepared. Their performances were tested through cyclic voltammetric, chronoamperometric, and current density-time curves. Electrochemical activity for methanol electro-oxidation of PtNiPb/WC catalyst is evidently higher than that of PtNiPb/C before accelerated durability testing. Its activity is also markedly higher than that of the latter after an accelerated durability test. These results indicate that the WC as a support can improve the activity and stability of PtNiPb catalyst due to usage of WC and its stability in acidic medium.