Supported PtRu on mesoporous carbons for direct methanol fuel cells

doi: 10.1016/j.jowsour.2008.09.022 We prepared and characterized several cryogel mesoporous carbons of different pore-size distribution and report the catalytic activity of PtRu supported on mesoporous carbons of pore size > 15 nm in passive and in active DMFCs. At room temperature (RT), the specific maximum power of the passive DMFCs with mesoporous carbon/PtRu systems as anode was in the range 3-5 W g-1. Passive DMFC assembly and RT tests limit the performance of the electrocatalytic systems and the anodes were thus tested in active DMFCs at 30, 60 and 80°C. Their responses were also compared to those of commercial Vulcan carbon/PtRu. At 80°C, the specific maximum power of the active DMFC with C656/PtRu was 37 W g-1 and the required amount of Pt per kW, estimated at 0.4 V cell voltage was 31 g kW-1, a value less than half that of Vulcan carbon/PtRu.