Abstract
This study develops a simple surface modification process for modifying the MWCNT surface by thiolation reaction after the conventional nitric acid treatment for strong interface attachment of Pt NPs and improved dispersion ontoMWCNTs. The thiolatedMWCNTs (Pt/MWCNTs) showed significant improvement of methanol electro-oxidation activity compared with that treated only by nitric acid solution. The prepared electrode with thiolatedMWCNTs was used as the cathode for assemblingMEAfor DMFC single-cell applications. Testing results indicate that the thiolated MWCNT cathode can improve the power density ofMEAby more than 300% (from 4.6 to 20.6 mWcm-2) compared with that treated only by conventional nitric acid reactions. The dual-step modification process for MWCNT surface treatment showed significant improvement over the convention nitric acid treatment and can be successfully used in DMFC applications.