One-pot synthesis of graphene supported platinum-cobalt nanoparticles as electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation

In the present study the graphene supported platinum-cobalt nanoparticles were prepared via microwave synthesis. The composition of prepared catalysts was examined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy. The shape and size of catalyst particles were determined by Transmission Electron Microscopy. The electrocatalytic activity of the graphene supported platinum-cobalt nanoparticles was investigated towards the electro-oxidation of methanol in an alkaline medium. It has been found that the graphene supported platinum-cobalt nanoparticles having the Pt:Co molar ratio 1:7 show the highest activity towards the electro-oxidation of methanol among the catalysts with the Pt:Co molar ratios equal to 1:1 and 1:44, graphene supported bare Co and Pt/C catalysts.