Flower-structured titanium oxide with two phase coexistence supported Pt electrocatalyst for effective enhancement of electrocatalytic activity

TiO 2 microflowers assembled by nanosheets are prepared by a one-step solvothermal process. The anatase-TiO 2 (B) dual-phase coexistence or anatase single phase is obtained under different annealing temperatures. Pt nanoparticles supported on the anatase-TiO 2 (B) microflowers are first applied to alcohol electrooxidation . The electrocatalytic performances of Pt/anatase-TiO 2 (B), Pt/anatase and Pt/carbon-black (Pt/C) on graphite substrates are systematically investigated. The Pt/anatase-TiO 2 (B) catalyst exhibits superior electrocatalytic activity and stability compared with that of Pt/anatase and Pt/C catalysts for methanol and ethanol in acidic and alkaline media , which is attributed to the large specific surface area, the porous channels to reduce the liquid sealing effect, the enhanced electronic conductivity by dual-phase coexistence and quick electron transfer from anatase phase to TiO 2 (B).