Core-Shell Structured PtMo@TiO Nanoparticles Synthesized by Reverse Microemulsion for Methanol Electrooxidation of Fuel Cells.

The high price of catalyst and poor durability still restrict the development of fuel cells. In this work, core-shell structured PtMo@TiO nanoparticles with low Pt content are prepared by a reverse microemulsion method. The morphologies, particle size, structure, and composition of PtMo@TiO nanoparticles are examined by several techniques such as X-ray Diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, etc. The PtMo@TiO electrocatalysts show significantly higher catalytic activity and better durability for methanol oxidation than the commercial Pt/C (ETEK). Compared to Pt/C catalyst, the enhancement of the electrochemical performance of PtMo@TiO electrocatalysts can be attributed to the core-shell structure and the shift of the d-band center of Pt atoms, which can weaken the adsorption strength toward CO molecules, facilitate the removal of the CO groups and improve electrocatalytic activity. The development of PtMo@TiO electrocatalysts is promising to reduce the use of noble metal Pt and has a great potential for application in fuel cells.