Pt hierarchical structure catalysts on BaTiO3/Ti electrode for methanol and ethanol electrooxidations

Electrooxidations of methanol and ethanol have been investigated on different Pt catalytic titanium-supported electrodes in both acidic and alkaline media using cyclic voltammetry. BaTiO₃ is used for the first time to make a nanoscaled roughness on the surface of Ti foil in order to effectively deposit Pt hierarchical structure and block foulness in solution reactions. The morphology of BaTiO₃ nanocube on Ti foil, Pt catalysts deposited on BaTiO₃/Ti and Ti foil electrodes are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that Pt nanoflowers can be effectively grown on the Ti foil covered with 1 μm layer of BaTiO₃ nanocubes and the catalytic oxidation behaviors to methanol and ethanol are much better than those of the Pt/Ti electrode as Pt nanoparticles can hardly be deposited on the smooth surface of the Ti foil. The Pt/BaTiO₃/Ti electrode could be adopted as excellent catalytic anode in fuel cells.