Protein-based carbon and platinum nanocomposites as electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation activity

Owing to the characteristics of high energy density, low operating temperature, and environmentally-friendly features, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are a promising renewable energy source. However, the electrocatalysts of the anode are vulnerable in terms of their electrochemical performance, as they can be easily toxified by CO and other hydrocarbons, which might lead to a break-up of the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). For further advances in the DMFC industry with improved electrochemical performance, this issue should be urgently resolved. Thus, this study proposes a novel approach to synthesize protein-based carbon as platinum electrocatalyst supports (PCPs) from tofu using a carbonization for the improved methanol oxidation activities. Among commercial Pt/C and other samples, the composite loaded 10 wt% Pt electrocatalyst showed the highest anodic current density of 510 mA mg_Pt⁻¹, the excellent electrocatalytic stability, and the highest retention of 86%. The improved electrochemical performances can be attributed to the good dispersion of Pt electrocatalysts and N-doping effect of protein-based carbon supports. These results suggest that PCPs derived from tofu will be one of promising candidates as platinum catalyst supports to improve methanol oxidation activities.