3D Graphene–CeO ₂ Nanorod Aerogels Anchoring Pt Nanoparticles for Improved Catalytic Performance

The continuous advancement of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technologies has imposed increasingly stringent requirements on the development of high-performance and durable precious metal-based electrocatalysts. Herein, we report the rational design and synthesis of a three-dimensional (3D) cross-linked nanostructured composite catalyst composed of cerium dioxide nanorods and graphene (CeO2 NRs-G) via a solvothermal coassembly strategy. Ultrafine Pt with nanoscale size was uniformly anchored onto this hierarchical framework to form the Pt/CeO2 NRs-G catalyst. The 3D nanoarchitecture combines the high conductivity of graphene with a porous network that enhances mass and charge transport, while CeO2 nanorods provide oxygen vacancies to stabilize Pt sites and improve CO tolerance. As a result of these synergistic effects, the Pt/CeO2 NRs-G catalyst exhibits improved electrocatalytic performance toward the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), including a higher electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), superior mass and specific activities, superior CO resistance, and good stability under the tested conditions. The electrocatalytic performance of Pt/CeO2 NRs-G is markedly superior to that of Pt supported on conventional carbon-based materials, which provides a promising nanostructure design strategy for advanced electrocatalysts in fuel cell applications.