Tungsten-doped titanium-dioxide-supported low-Pt-loading electrocatalysts for the oxidation reaction of ethanol in acidic fuel cells

High cost and poor durability of Pt-based electrocatalysts are the main challenges for future commercialization of direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs). In the present work, a stable and effective Pt/Ti0.8W0.2O2 electrocatalyst toward ethanol electrooxidation reactions (EORs) was prepared by utilizing the attributes of noncarbon catalyst supports and low Pt loading. The 18.5 wt % Pt/Ti0.8W0.2O2 electrocatalyst was successfully fabricated through a simple and rapid microwave-assisted polyol route (ethylene glycol was used as a reducing agent). In comparison with a conventional 20 wt % Pt/C electrocatalyst, the as-prepared 18.5 wt % Pt/Ti0.8W0.2O2 electrocatalyst resulted in much lower onset potential, higher If/Ib value, and superior stability toward EOR, which can be ascribed to the synergistic effect between Pt nanocatalyst and the Ti0.8W0.2O2 catalyst support. Therefore, these findings imply that 18.5 wt % Pt/Ti0.8W0.2O2 is a promising anodic electrocatalyst and possesses the ability to replace Pt/C electrocatalysts in the future.