Fe-doped hollow PtBi nanocages loaded on Bi2O2CO3-NC composite support with excellent methanol electrooxidation performance

A highly active and stable anode catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells is critical to commercialization. Therefore, we have synthesized a unique Fe-doped catalyst Fe–PtBi 2 /Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 -NC through the classical hydrothermal method and sodium borohydride reduction. Physical characterizations confirm the existence of Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 nanosheets and successful loading of PtBi nanocages. It is the alternating layer arrangement of Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 , the bifunctional mechanism of PtBi alloy and the synergistic effect of each component that make the synthesized Fe–PtBi 2 /Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 -NC possess such remarkable methanol oxidation reaction activity (a mass activity of 9345 mA/mg Pt in alkaline electrolyte). Moreover, electrochemical measurements also indicate that 51.7% of the mass activity was retained after 1 h durable operation, which is approximately 4.1 times than that of commercial Pt black. Fe–PtBi 2 /Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 -NC may be applied as a promising alkaline anode catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells due to its outstanding structure and performance. The specific work provides a reference for designing reliable structures and selection of doping elements to enhance the sluggish kinetics of methanol electrooxidation.