nPt0 (Hx−2nMoO3) as a promising catalyst for the oxidation of methanol. Synthesis and electrocatalytic properties

A new method for the synthesis of the catalyst systems Pt–Mo was suggested. nPt0(Hx−2nMoO3)/GC electrodes were prepared by a redox reaction between the hydrogen-containing molybdenum bronzes and potassium tetrachloroplatinate (II) in acid solutions at open circuit potential. The electrodes were characterized by CVA, SEM, X-ray microanalysis, XRD, XPS and ICP-AES. Pt0conglomerates formation with nonuniform distribution over the molybdenum bronzes surface has been revealed. nPt0(Hx−2nMoO3)/GC electrodes showed high catalytic activity (not inferior to Pt–Ru-catalyst) in the oxidation of carbon monoxide and methanol as compared with Pt/GC-electrodes. Catalytic effect is apparently achieved by effective oxidation of strongly chemisorbed species (COads, HCOads), which occurs at boundaries platinum – molybdenum oxide. Therefore nPt0(Hx−2nMoO3) can be considered as one of perspective catalysts for DMFC.