Characteristics of DMFC electrodes improve by the MPII Pt–Ru catalysts

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) are attractive for various applications. However, various barriers must be overcome before they are extensively applied. This study applies a simple procedure to prepare Pt–Ru/C catalyst based on a novel deposition system, which includes magnetron sputtering and metal-plasma ion implantation (MPII). The catalyst film structure and microstructure were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electronic microscopy. The cell performance is tested in a single-cell test. Under optimal conditions (accelerating voltage of 20 kV and an implantation dose of 1 × 1017 ions/cm2), the cell performance of DMFC can be improved.