Nanostructured Pt/SnO2–SbOx–RuO2 electrocatalysts for direct alcohol fuel cells

The (Sb,Ru)-doped SnO2 ternary composite oxides (ARTO) with various Ru-doping levels were prepared as a supports of platinum catalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The oxide supports with the single phase structure, the narrow particle size distribution, and the specific surface areas were obtained. The influence of the composition of ternary oxides supports on the structural and the electronic properties was studied. The optimal composition of the ternary oxide was offered in order to achieve improve of the electronic conductivity. The prepared Pt catalyst ARTO supported (Pt/ARTO) showed the well dispersion of Pt catalysts (3 nm) on the ARTO nanostructure supports (~ 20 nm). The influence of the composition of ternary oxides supports on the catalytic activities of the supported Pt catalysts for methanol and ethanol electrooxidation was studied. The prepared catalysts with the optimal compositions exhibited an excellent performance for its employment as anode catalyst in direct alcohol fuel cells.