Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 May 2012
The Transition metal oxides such as TiO2 and CeO2 as catalyst and co-catalyst materials were studied for methanol oxidation. The metal oxide nanoparticles were impregnated into carbon aerogel and Pt-Ru/C (Tanaka) by modified sol-gel Pechini method and heat-treated at different temperatures. Crystal structure, particle size and composition of the catalyst particles were studied using XRD, TEM and EDS techniques. The electrochemical activity and stability of these catalyst materials were studied in acidic medium and the results were compared to their corresponding specific and active surface areas. The aerogel supported metal oxides were stable and proved for better methanol oxidation, while a significant synergetic effect in electro-oxidation is observed when the metal oxides were impregnated into the structure of Pt-Ru/C catalyst. The methanol-oxidation was further improved after heat treatment due to its improved structural and surface properties.