Hollow graphitic carbon spheres for Pt electrocatalyst support in direct methanol fuel cell

Highlights: → Hydrophobicity difference in two precursors in polymerization leads to the formation of hollow polymer spheres. → Hollow graphitic carbon spheres are prepared upon the carbonization of the polymer spheres followed by acid-treatment. → Hollow carbon spheres are graphitic and possess a higher surface area than amorphous carbon black. → Pt catalyst supported on hollow graphitic carbon spheres show much more enhanced electrocatalytic activity that Pt catalyst on Vulcan XC-72. - Abstract: Hollow graphitic carbon spheres (HGCSs) with a high surface area are produced by the carbonization of hollow polymer spheres obtained by the polymerization of core/shell-structured pyrrole micelles. HGCSs are employed as a carbon support material in a direct methanol fuel cell catalyst, and their effect on the electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation is investigated. Pt catalyst supported on HGCSs shows a better electrocatalytic activity compared to that on Vulcan XC-72, which has been commonly used in fuel cell catalysts. The observed enhancement in the electrocatalytic activity is attributed to the improved electronic conductivity and high surface area of HGCSs.