contain a large number of Pt nanoparticles inlaying the innerwall
surfaces of the Sn nanotubes (Fig. 3c). The novel structure
results in a better dispersion of Pt nanoparticles with smaller
size and hence endows it with a higher electroactive surface
area of Pt as well as remarkable activity toward methanol
oxidation.
We have to mention that many favorable effects have been
found in Pt-based binary and multiple catalysts, such as the
bifunctional effect in Pt-Ru, the electronic effect in Pt-Ru-Ni,
and the hydrogen spillover effect in Pt-WO3 and Pt-RuO2.
With progressive understanding of these effects, low-cost Ptcatalysts
with tunable performance will be developed in the
near future.
3.4. New Catalyst Supports
To date, the most promising catalytic materials used for
methanol oxidation at room temperature are supported Ptbased