Yanchun Zhao

High electrocatalytic activity of PtRu nanoparticles supported on starch-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes for ethanol oxidation

The high-performance PtRu electrocatalysts on ethylenediamine modified cross-linked starch-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes have been synthesized by the polyol process. The method was simple and can be carried out at room temperature without the use of expensive chemicals or corrosive acids, thus preserving the integrity and the electronic structure of the nanotubes. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the PtRu is well distributed with no formation of aggregates. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry studies indicate the material had a higher electrochemically active surface area, electrocatalytic activity and stability for the electro-oxidation of ethanol compared to that of PtRu electrocatalysts supported on conventional acid-treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes and on XC-72 carbon black.

Synthesis of Ni@PbPt supported on graphene by galvanic displacement reaction for improving ethanol electro-oxidation

The high-performance Ni@PbPt electrocatalyst supported on graphene has been synthesized by a galvanic displacement reaction. The method is simple and can be carried out at room temperature without using any capping agents. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the Ni@PbPt is well distributed with no obvious aggregation. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry results indicate that the material has higher electrochemical active surface area, electrocatalytic activity, more negative onset oxidative potential and stability for the electro-oxidation of ethanol compared to PtRu and the Ni@PbPt electrocatalyst supported on XC-72 carbon black.