Methanol oxidative fuel cell: Electrochemical synthesis and characterization of low-priced WO3-Pt anode material

Electroplating of WO3-Pt has been carried out using a suitable plating bath solution and optimum working conditions. X-ray and SEM studies of the deposit reveal a smooth and uniform distribution of microparticles on the surface. New phases of the plated material appear on heat treatment. The electrocatalytic activity of the WO3-Pt co-deposit is considerably higher than for platinum alone. WO3 in the WO3-Pt co-deposit reduces the retardation effect of methanol oxidation by the reaction intermediate observed in the case of Pt alone. WO3-Pt co-deposits exhibit low overpotential for methanol oxidation in both acidic and alkaline media at low temperature and have good corrosion resistance in electrolytic media. The electrochemical parameters for methanol oxidation of these co-deposits depend on trace amounts of the platinum, heat treatment and the microstructure of the coating. © Springer-Verlag 2004