Pt Nanoparticles Supported on Bi2S3 Nanowires for Methanol and Ethanol Electrooxidation

Bi2S3 nanowires are synthesized by a modified composite molten salt method. The Bi2S3 nanowires are used for the first time to support Pt nanoparticles for the electrooxidation of methanol and ethanol in acidic media. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and high resolution transmission electron microscope are used to characterize the synthesized Bi2S3 nanowires and Bi2S3-supported platinum ( Pt/Bi2S3) catalyst. The electrocatalytic properties of the Pt/Bi2S3 for the methanol and ethanol oxidation in acidic media are investigated systematically by electrochemical methods. The higher electrocatalytic activity and stability of the Pt/Bi2S3 catalyst is attributed to the Pt nanoparticles distributed on the porous channel support which reduces the liquid sealing effect to let the reactants diffuse from the reaction sites compared with the Pt/C catalyst.