Ultra-fine bimetallic FeCoP supported by N-doped MWCNTs Pt-based catalyst for efficient electrooxidation of methanol

• The ultrafine FeCoP nanoparticles supported by N-doped MWCNTs is fabricated. • PVP serves as the surfactant and doped nitrogen source, rendering the bifunctional effect. • FeCoP nanoparticles deliver remarkable co-catalytic performance. • Excellent catalytic activity and long-term stability for MOR in acid medium. Herein, novel ultra-fine bimetallic phosphides immobilized by N-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes platinum-based catalyst (Pt-FeCoP/NCNT) has been fabricated by in suit growth of bimetallic hydroxide onto polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)-coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which is subsequently subjected to carbonization and sodium borohydride reduction treatments. In this system, PVP serves as the surfactant and doped nitrogen source, rendering the bifunctional effect: making the MWCNTs surface hydrophilic and thus facilitates the homogeneous growth of bimetallic hydroxide (FeCo-LDH). Besides, it provides nitrogen-doped structure after calcination, improving the overall electrical conductivity of the catalyst. Moreover, the introduced bimetallic phosphides deliver the enhanced co-catalytic effect compared with the monometallic phosphides, thus rendering the remarkable electrocatalytic activity (1221 mA mg -1 Pt ). In addition, this catalyst also maintains better anti-CO poisoning capability and long terms stability in comparison with others in this study. Thereby, this experiment provides the new inspiration for rational construction of high-efficiency metal phosphide platinum-based catalysts.