TiO2-based nanowire supported catalysts for methanol electrooxidation in direct methanol fuel cells

The pure TiO2 and Ru-doped TiO2 nanoparticles obtained by means of hydrothermal process show one-dimensional nanowire (NW) structures with complete rutile phase confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Using cyclic voltammetry in sulfuric acid solution, compared to the PtRu/TiO2-NW, the PtRu/Ru0.1Ti0.9O2-NW exhibits much higher current densities and thicker double layer region caused by an enhanced electrical conductivity of the NW and electrochemical properties of ruthenium element, respectively. For methanol electrooxidation, furthermore, the excellent catalytic activity and stability of the PtRu/Ru0.1Ti0.9O2-NW, as compared to that of the PtRu/TiO2-NW, may be due to improved electrical and electrochemical properties of the Ru0.1Ti0.9O2-NW support.