Electrocatalytic performance of Pt-Au catalysts supported on chitosan-modified carbon black for methanol oxidation

Chitosan-carbon composite material (CHI-C) was prepared. Pt-Au catalysts supported on chitosan-modified carbon black with different Pt/Au atomic ratios were prepared by a sol immobilization method. The samples were characterized by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The activity and stability for methanol electrocatalytic oxidation reaction were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperograms, respectively. The effects of Pt/Au atomic ratios and chitosan modification on the activities and stabilities were studied. As a result, Pt_1.0＾Au/C catalyst showed the best catalytic activity. Adding small amount CHI to carbon black support can improve the stability of Pt_1.0＾Au/C catalyst.