Direct synthesis of carbon nanotubes on stainless steel electrode for enhanced catalyst efficiency in a glucose fuel cell

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were grown directly on stainless steel mesh surfaces by oxidation–reduction treatment using an ethylene-hydrogen gas mixture as carbon source, and this mesh was used for an anode in a glucose fuel cell. Pt nanoparticles were dispersed on the MWCNTs by magnetron sputtering. The power generation efficiency per unit mass of Pt became 33 W g−1. The method to synthesize MWCNTs used in the present study can be considered suitable to obtain a fuel cell electrode because the synthesis of MWCNTs on solid surfaces of complicated shapes is difficult by conventional synthesis methods.