Development of high quality Pt-CeO2based anode materials for direct methanol fuel cell applications

Pt-pure Ceria (CeO
2
) supported by carbon black (CB) anode was synthesized for development of eco-electrode material for fuel cell application. The onset potential for methanol oxidation reaction on Pt-round shaped CeO
2
shifted to a lower potential as compared with that on Pt-mixed shape (i.e. round shape + rod like shape) CeO
2
/CB. This onset potential on Pt-mixed shape CeO
2
/CB anode at 60°C was equal to that on commercially available Pt-Ru/CB anode, although the on-set potential on Pt-mixed shape CeO
2
/CB was lower than that on Pt-Ru/CB at room temperature. This suggests that the anode performance of Pt-CeO
2
/CB anode is improved at operation temperature (80°C) of fuel cell by enhancement of diffusion and formation of oxygen species from nano-sized CeO
2
particles. It is expected that the nano-size Pt-pure CeO
2
/CB anode in the present study will be one of promising eco-anode materials for development of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).