Pt nanoparticles supported on titanium iron nitride nanotubes prepared as a superior electrocatalysts for methanol electrooxidation

Titanium iron nitride (Ti_0.95Fe_0.05N) supports with one-dimensional (1D) hollow and porous nanotubes(Ti_0.95Fe_0.05N NTs)are prepared by a two-step method, including hydrothermal method followed post-nitriding treatment. Pt nanoparticles (NPs) are further supported on Ti_0.95Fe_0.05N NTs for methanol electrooxidation. The experimental results reveal that the prepared material is Ti_0.95Fe_0.05N NTs with high purity, and this support is characterized by a porous tubular structure with hollow walls and large specific surface area. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) pattern shows the strong interaction between the robust Ti_0.95Fe_0.05N NTs support and uniform Pt NPs catalyst. In addition, the electrochemical data demonstrate that Ti_0.95Fe_0.05N NTs loaded Pt NPs (Pt/Ti_0.95Fe_0.05N) display greatly improved activity and stability than that of Pt/C catalyst. The significantly enhanced durability of the hybrid electrocatalysts and electrochemical surface area (ECSA) preservation of the catalyst are observed after the accelerated durability test (ADT). The experimental data verify that the introducing of Fe can tune the electronic structure of Pt atoms, which contributes to the strengthened activity and stability of the Pt catalyst for the methanol oxidation reaction.