Electrodeposition of a Pt–PrO2−x electrocatalyst on diamond electrodes for the oxidation of methanol

Abstract The electrodeposition of Pt–PrO 2− x nanostructures on boron‐doped diamond electrodes was explored by decorating platinum nanoparticles with praseodymium oxide, for application as an electrocatalyst in the electrooxidation of methanol in direct methanol fuel cells. A high loading of platinum with good stability was deposited by adopting a two‐stage protocol, which involved a stepped potential route and a chronoamperometric approach. Praseodymium oxide was then coated on the platinum particles from solutions containing praseodymium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide. The porous microstructure of the resulting catalyst was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope, along with electrochemical measurement. The addition of praseodymium oxide to the Pt resulted in a higher catalytic activity profile for methanol oxidation along with an improved resistance to poisoning effects caused by incompletely oxidized carbonaceous species.