| abstract |
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to ternary and/or quaternary catalyst alloys for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The catalyst has the composition (Pt 1-x Ru x ) y M′ z M″ 1-y-z , where M′ is selected from the group consisting of W, Mo, Nb, and Ta; M″ is selected from the group consisting of V, Co, Ni, Mn, and Cu; x ranges from about 0 to about 1; y ranges from about 0.01 to about 0.99; and y+z is about equal to 1. The catalyst may be deposited onto a porous carrier, and the deposition method may include ion-beam sputtering. The onset voltages of the present compositions are lower than that of conventional Pt—Ru binary systems by approximately 0.355 volts, and thus provide enhanced catalytic activity. |