Graphene-supported platinum/nickel phosphide electrocatalyst with improved activity and stability for methanol oxidation

Abstract

In this paper, we report a novel catalyst using Ni₂P as a cocatalyst of Pt supported on graphene for methanol oxidation. The results reveal that the electrocatalytic activity and stability of the as-prepared catalyst for methanol oxidation are significantly enhanced by the addition of Ni₂P. The reason for the increased activity and stability is ascribed to complex electron transfer between Pt, Ni₂P, and graphene, which gives rise to the eventual promotion of CO_ads electrooxidation reaction kinetics. The present study implies that the as-prepared Pt–Ni₂P/graphene will be a promising candidate as an anode electrocatalyst in direct methanol fuel cells.