Methanol Resistant Cathodic Catalyst for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Methanol-tolerant cathodic catalysts were prepared by depositing platinum nanoparticles and iron macrocycles on a carbon substrate. The order of depositing the iron and platinum on the carbon substrate were varied to form a (Fe—Pt)/C catalyst and a (Pt—Fe)/C catalyst. Different sintering temperatures were investigated to determine the heating effect on methanol tolerance. Oxygen reduction with and without the presence of methanol on these new catalysts was evaluated by using a rotating disk electrode system.