Advanced catalytic performance for the electro-oxidation of methanol enabled by channel-rich Au@GQDs@Pt3.5Pb nano-pompons

At present, Pt-based catalysts with controllable compositions , architectures, and crystal facets are still the most prevalent materials for the electro-oxidation of methanol (MOR), which is a compelling reaction in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Herein, based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs), we report a facial and environment-friendly approach to prepare the Au@GQDs@Pt x Pb core-shell nano-pompons for the MOR in alkaline solutions. It was noticed that among all the as-synthesized samples, Au@GQDs@Pt 3.5 Pb displays an admirable activity, which is as high as 15.14 A mg −1 Pt and almost 38-fold higher than that of commercial Pt/C catalyst. And its resistance to poisoning species and long-term stability are also greatly improved. The improved performance for MOR might be attributed to the channel-rich structure of catalysts with the aid of GQDs, Au, and the electronic effect between Pt and Pb. The results indicate that the reasonable composition and structure of Au@GQDs@Pt x Pb exhibits efficient MOR, it could be a promising candidate for direct methanol fuel cells.