A catalyst made by attaching platinum nanoparticles to nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes could be used to oxidise methanol fuel cells, Chinese scientists have claimed.

Platinum nanoparticles were deposited across the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a solution and were found to homogeneously distribute along the tubes and be strongly anchored.

The research was conducted by scientists at Nanjing University and the scientists believe that the nitrogen-doped CNTs are good at conducting electricity and could be useful in fuel cells.

They looked at the oxidation of methanol to carbon dioxide and found that the nanotubes had good catalytic activity which suggests that they could be used in fuel cells in the future, according to Chemistry World.

Gregory Dolan, Vice President of the Methanol Institute at Arlington, Virginia, said: "The world's major consumer electronics manufacturers are all in a race to bring micro fuel cells to the marketplace. It is cutting-edge research like this to boost the efficiency of direct methanol fuel cells, while ultimately reducing costs, that will help bring the finish line even closer."

Source:

Modified nanotubes catalyse fuel cell, 29/02/08
http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2008/February/29020801.asp

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