Great-enhanced performance of Pt nanoparticles by the unique carbon quantum dot/reduced graphene oxide hybrid supports towards methanol electrochemical oxidation

• The Pt catalysts supported on CQD/RGO hybrids are prepared by one pot method.
• Pt nanoparticles around 2–3 nm disperse uniformly on substrate.
• More than 2 times mass activity and 3 folds specific activity of Pt/C in MOR.
• Clear tendency of the improving MOR performance with the increasing content of CQD.
• Enhanced performance roots in the multibenefits from the adding of CQD.

The Pt-carbon quantum dot (CQD)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) catalysts are prepared by one pot reduction method and demonstrate ultraefficient performance towards methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). In the high content CQD products, Pt nanoparticles around 2–3 nm are dispersed uniformly on supporting materials. And the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicates that in the high content CQD products a large part of surface oxygen groups is contributed by CQD. The electrochemical tests reveal that the catalyst with the saturated CQD exhibits best performance in MOR: the mass and specific activity at forward peak position, the potential close to fuel cell operation and 3600 s of chronoamperometric curve are roughly 2–3 folds of the commercial Pt/C. Furthermore, the electrochemical data on the series of catalysts with different quantity of CQD disclose the improving tendency of MOR performance with the increasing content of CQD evidently. Overview the electrochemical and characterization results, we suggest CQD play multiple roles in the enhancement of Pt performance: present abundant nucleating and anchoring points to facilitate the formation of small size and uniform distributed Pt particles; act as spacer to alleviate restacking of RGO sheets; and provide fruitful surface oxygen groups to improve the antipoisonous ability of Pt.