Catalytic activity of platinum/tungsten oxide nanorod electrodes towards electro-oxidation of methanol

Tungsten oxide (WO3) nanorods are synthesized using an Anodisc alumina membrane as a template and platinum nanoparticles are supported on the nanorods. The nanorods, serving as platinum catalyst supports, are characterized by electron microscopy and by electrochemical analysis. Methanol oxidation on the prepared electrodes is studied by means of cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry. A film of Pt/WO3 nanorods on a glassy carbon electrode exhibits good electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of methanol. High electrocatalytic activities and good stabilities are attributed to a synergistic effect between Pt and WO3 that avoids poisoning of the electrodes.