Flower-structured titanium oxide with two phase coexistence supported Pt electrocatalyst for effective enhancement of electrocatalytic activity.

TiO 2 microflowers assembled by nanosheets are prepared by a one-step solvothermal process. The anatase-TiO 2 (B) dual-phase coexistence or anatase single phase is obtained under different annealing temperatures. Pt nanoparticles supported on the anatase-TiO 2 (B) microflowers are first applied to alcohol electrooxidation. The electrocatalytic performances of Pt/anatase-TiO 2 (B), Pt/anatase and Pt/carbon-black (Pt/C) on graphite substrates are systematically investigated. The Pt/anatase-TiO 2 (B) catalyst exhibits superior electrocatalytic activity and stability compared with that of Pt/anatase and Pt/C catalysts for methanol and ethanol in acidic and alkaline media, which is attributed to the large specific surface area, the porous channels to reduce the liquid sealing effect, the enhanced electronic conductivity by dual-phase coexistence and quick electron transfer from anatase phase to TiO 2 (B). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]