Synthesis of Nanocatalysts for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Abstract

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) allow the complete conversion of the chemical energy of the chemical reaction (CH)3OH(ac)+3/2O2(g) →CO2(g)+2H2O(l) into electrical energy. The most employed catalyst in DMFCs is platinum. The use of platinum is indispensable to get acceptable electric performance. As catalysis is a superficial phenomenon, if it is possible to synthesizes carbon supported catalytic nanoparticles it would be feasible to get a large reaction area. Nanotechnology with the combination of Pt with others metals improve the electrocatalitic activity and reduce the cost of the fuel cell. Supported Pt-base electrocatalytic nanoparticles are synthesized and their electrocatalityc activities are determinated to employ as cathode material for oxygen reduction reaction in DMFCs.