The nanostructured Co/Co–Ni–Pt catalyst were synthesized by electrodeposition process and galvanic replacement reaction. The alloy prepared on a copper electrode (Cu/Co/Co–Ni–Zn) was dipped in platinum containing alkaline solution to produce a porous Cu/Co/ Co–Ni–Pt catalyst. The catalyst was characterized by energy dispersive X-ray and scanning electron microscopy techniques and its electrocatalytic properties were evalu- ated using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry techniques. The results showed that the Co/Co–Ni–Pt coatings are porous, and composed of discrete Pt nanoparticles with the crys- tallite size of about 66 nm. It was shown from cyclic voltammograms in alkaline solutions that the oxidation current of methanol on the nanostructured Cu/Co/Co–Ni– Pt electrode was much higher than that on flat platinum. Electrochemical impedance spectra on the Co/Co–Ni–Pt electrode reveal that the charge transfer resistance decreases with the increase of anodic potentials. All results show that the Co/Co–Ni–Pt catalysts can be potential anode catalysts for the direct methanol fuel cell.
