Influence of PtCuAu’s Nanoparticle Structure on Its Activity in Methanol Oxidation Reaction

PtCuAu/C catalysts with different structures were obtained by the method of joint reduction of metal precursors and by the method of galvanic replacement. According to the results of a comparative study of the catalytic activity in the methanol oxidation reaction, a positive effect of gold atoms in the composition of trimetallic nanoparticles is shown, regardless of the synthesis method. The effect of heat treatment in an inert atmosphere at 300°C on the structure and activity in the methanol oxidation reaction of the obtained PtCuAu/C materials was studied. A decrease in the active surface area and activity in the methanol oxidation reaction after heat treatment was shown. The material obtained by galvanic replacement showed the greatest stability. This work demonstrates the promise of trimetallic PtCuAu/C materials as being effective for use in methanol fuel cells.