The precursors ammonium metatungstate (AMT) microspheres were prepared by using an airflow spray drying method. Tungsten carbide (WC) samples were prepared by gas-solid reaction in the atmosphere of CO/H₂ in 700～900 ℃. XRD, SEM and EDS results showed that the samples were pure WC, with a ratio of W/C＞1. SEM images show that the structure of WC is hollow microsphere with nanoparticles around the surface. The WC was applied to a catalytic electrode for methanol electro-oxidation reaction by a PME (powder microelectrode) method. The results showed that the lower carbide content meso-WC-PME exhibited catalytic activity and stability in the methanol electro-oxidation, with the activation energy being 105.06 kJ/mol. The electrode reaction was controlled by liquid diffusion.

Key words: >mesoporous structure, tungsten carbide, methanol electro-oxidation, electrocatalysis