An original Pt-Ru bimetallic microparticle elelctrode was prepared by cyclic voltammetry at nichrome substrate. SEM results revealed that the deposits were composed of spherical granular microparticles. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used to characterize its electrochemical behavior. The results indicated that the Pt-Ru microparticle electrode improved the properties of the substrate material and enhanced the catalytic activity for methanol electrooxidation. Under the same conditions, the electrocatalytic ability of the electrode was higher than that of the pure Pt electrode. The cost for preparing the electrode was greatly decreased, the procedure was much simplified, no pollution and no contamination for the environment. The Pt-Ru microparticle electrode loaded on nichrome substrate showed an improved performance towards methanol oxidation and was likely a potential electrocatalyst towards methanol electrooxidation.

Key words: Pt-Ru microparticle electrode, electrodeposition, methanol, electrocatalysis