Silica template as a morphology-controlling agent for deposition of platinum nanostructure on 3D-Ni-foam and its superior electrocatalytic performance towards methanol oxidation

In this work, a novel sponge-like platinum nanostructures are fabricated on a nickel foam and utilized for electro-oxidation of methanol. The fabrication method consisted of three steps: the electrodeposition of mesoporous silica film onto the Ni-foam as a template, the galvanic replacement of Pt nanostructures into the silica-templates/Ni-foam, and finally removing the silica templates. The silica templates were used as a morphology regulating agent to modify the electrode with sponge-like platinum nanostructures. Physical characterization of the modified electrodes was performed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-Ray, and X-Ray diffraction analysis. The electrochemical experiments present high electron transfer kinetics, high CO tolerance ability, and superior stability for sponge-like Pt/Ni-foam towards methanol electro-oxidation in the acidic medium. The easy and low-cost construction process and robust electrochemical performance of the proposed catalyst opens a new pathway as the new shape of the platinum nanomaterials for the anode of the direct methanol fuel cell.