Advanced Pt/Ti(1−x)SnxO2–C Composite Supported Electrocatalyst with Functionalized Carbon for Sustainable Energy Conversion Technologies

Sn-doped TiO2–carbon composites were identified as promising multifunctional supports for Pt electrocatalysts, in which the oxide component enhances resistance against corrosion and strong metal–support interactions at the Pt-oxide boundary ensure high stability for the Pt nanoparticles. This work is devoted to the study of the influence of preliminary functionalization of the carbon on the properties of Pt/Ti0.9Sn0.1O2–C catalysts. The structural, compositional and morphological differences between the samples prepared using functionalized or unmodified carbon, as well as the effect of carbon pre-modification on the electrocatalytic behavior of the synthesized Pt catalysts, were investigated using TEM, XRD, XPS, nitrogen adsorption and electrochemical measurements. The presence of oxygen-containing functional groups on carbon treated with HNO3 and glucose leads to the formation of a homogeneous coating of the carbon with dispersed crystallites of mixed oxide. Elemental mapping revealed the proximity of Sn species with highly dispersed (2–3 nm) Pt particles. Notably, the electrochemical results indicated enhanced activity in CO electrooxidation for both functionalized and unmodified carbon-containing catalysts. An improvement in the 10,000-cycle long-term stability of the catalyst prepared using functionalized carbon was evident compared to the catalyst with untreated carbon or reference Pt/C.