Pt–Ru nanoparticles anchored on poly(brilliant cresyl blue) as a new polymeric support: Application as an efficient electrocatalyst in methanol oxidation reaction

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 45; no. 1; pp. 849 - 860
• Main Authors: Khalifeh-Soltani, Maryam Sadat, Shams, Esmaeil, Sharifi, Ensiyeh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2020
• Subjects: Methanol oxidation reaction; Poly(brilliant cresyl blue); Pt–Ru nanoparticles; Methanol oxidation reaction; Pt–Ru nanoparticles; Poly(brilliant cresyl blue)
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.10.071

The glassy carbon electrode is modified by poly(brilliant cresyl blue) (PBCB) to be applied as a new green and efficient platform for Pt and Pt–Ru alloy nanoparticles deposition. Surface composition, morphology and catalytic activity of these modified electrodes towards methanol oxidation are assessed by applying X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that the highly crystalline Pt and Pt–Ru alloy and RuO2 nanoparticles with low crystallinity are deposited on the PBCB modified glassy carbon electrodes. The microscopic images indicate smaller size and better distribution of deposited nanoparticles on the surface of PBCB modified electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results reveal that PBCB supported Pt and Pt–Ru nanoparticles have better electrocatalytic performance and durability towards methanol oxidation rather than the unsupported nanoparticles. From the obtained results it can be concluded that the presence of PBCB not only improves the stability of nanoparticles on the surface, but also leads to the formation of smaller size and more uniform distribution of nanoparticles on the surface, which, in turn, cause the nanoparticles to provide a higher accessible surface area and more active centers for the oxidation of methanol. The results will be valuable in extending the applications of this polymer in surface modification steps and in developing promising catalyst supports to be applied in direct methanol fuel cells. •Poly(brilliant cresyl blue) is used as an efficient support for development of Pt-based catalysts.•All steps of electrode modification are done in aqueous solutions.•The poly(brilliant cresyl blue) supported nanoparticles possess smaller size and more uniform distribution.•The proposed catalyst provides mass activity of 898.5 A g−1.