(576a) Noble Metal-Based 1-Dimensional Nanomaterials in the Application of Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells

Direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) are envisaged to be a new generation of portable power sources which convert chemical energy into electrical energy with, theoretically, both economical and environmental benefit. Noble metal-based composite nanomaterials have shown great applicability as the cathode and anode catalysts in application of DAFCs. Furthermore, 1-D bimetallic nanomaterials have shown improved performance towards oxygen reduction reaction and alcohol oxidation reaction attributed to the ameliorated durability from the 1-D nanostructure and the enhanced catalytic activity from the incorporation of the second metal.

In this work, Pt-based nanomaterials with 1-D hollow nanostructure prepared from a novel, robust and versatile electrospinning–electroless plating–galvanic replacement reaction process. The overall procedure for the material preparation is also economically efficient and environmentally friendly. The as-prepared Pt nanotubes and Pt-carbon nanofibers have been characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, and XPS. Furthermore, these nanomaterials have shown excellent catalytic activity with superior durability towards oxygen reduction reaction and ethanol oxidation reaction in the application of DAFCs.