Honeycomb-like mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon supported Pt catalyst for methanol electrooxidation

A novel nitrogen-doped carbon material with honeycomb-like mesoporous structure was synthesized via carbonization of polyaniline under template and acted as support for the Pt catalyst. Pyrolysis temperature plays a significant role in enhancing electrochemical performance of Pt/mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon (Pt/MNC) catalyst. Considering comprehensively electrocatalytic activity and stability for methanol electrooxidation, MNC-900 (MNC prepared at pyrolysis temperature of 900 degrees C) is an appropriate support for Pt catalyst. Moreover, the electrochemical performance of Pt/MNC-900 catalyst is significantly superior to that of Pt/mesoporous carbon (Pt/MC) catalyst. The enhancement is attributed to N species introduced to the support and optimal proportion of pyridinic N, pyrrolic N and graphitic N. When the contents of pyridinic N, pyrrolic N and graphitic N achieve optimal proportion, MNC support reveals not only intense anchoring effect of Pt nanoparticles but also enhanced electric conductivity, further improving electrocatalytic activity and stability of the catalyst. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.