Effect of preparation conditions on the structure and catalytic activity of carbon-supported platinum for the electrooxidation of methanol

Carbon-supported platinum catalysts (Pt/C) were prepared by treatment of Pt O2/C under different conditions: (a) heating at 380 degrees C in air, argon and hydrogen; (b) electrochemical reduction in H2SO4; and (c) reduction wi th NaBH4. The effect of the preparation conditions on the structure and the catalytic activity of the catalysts for the electrooxidation of CH3OH in a cid media was studied. The highest activity was achieved for the catalyst t reated in air. The activity is determined by the crystal faces exposed at t he particle surface as well as particle size and the partial oxidation of t he carbon support.