Ternary PtRuNi nanocatalysts supported on N-doped carbon nanotubes: Deposition process, material characterization, and electrochemistry

One-dimensional electrodes consisting of N-doped carbon nanotubes and ternary PtRuNi metal catalysts deposited via a vacuum deposition are made. Material analysis shows that high density nanoparticles that are well dispersed on the nanotube surface are deposited. The average catalyst particle size is between 3 and 4.5 nm depending on the sputtering conditions. The methanol oxidation current of the ternary PtRuNi catalysts increases up to a factor of 2.6 as compared to the binary PtRu catalyst. Our studies shed light on the advanced control of nanotube-supported electrocatalysts under a low loading via the vacuum deposition techniques and can contribute to the controlled synthesis and understanding of fuel-cell catalysts.