Properties of Pt-based electrocatalysts containing selectively deposited Sn as the anode for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Sn-promoted Pt-based catalysts were prepared by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of Sn on commercial Pt/C and PtRu/C catalysts using Sn(CH3)4 as an Sn precursor. The prepared catalysts showed higher CO tolerance than those prepared by adding Sn using an impregnation (IMP) method. This result was obtained because Sn added by CVD was selectively deposited on the Pt and Ru surfaces, instead of on a carbon support, such that the interfacial contact between Pt and Sn was greater in the Sn-CVD catalyst than in the others, as confirmed by in-situ infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic observations of the catalysts.