Synthesis and electro-catalytic properties of platinum supported on Graphene for methanol oxidation

Graphene serves as excellent support material in the synthesis of metal nanoparticle-graphene electrocatalysts. Highly active and stable Pt/Graphene electrocatalysts for the application of direct methanol fuel cells were developed. The oxygen/carbon ratio of graphene supports were tuned by various chemical methods. Pt nanoparticles with a narrow distribution of particle sizes were well dispersed on graphene. An increased catalytic activity and stability were achieved due to an increased graphitization degree of graphene when the Pt/Graphene was deoxidized during Ar/H2 reduction. The activity of Pt/Graphene towards methanol oxidation reaction and its stability was higher compared to Pt/Carbon. This study suggests a bi-functional effect of both graphitization and the oxygenated groups on the catalytic activity.