A feasible synthesis of Mn3(PO4)2@BSA nanoflowers and its application as the support nanomaterial for Pt catalyst

We report the production of a novel nanoflower material of Mn3(PO4)2@BSA hybrid which is made of both protein and manganese (II) phosphate, and its application as a new support material for platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs). The Mn3(PO4)2@BSA@PtNPs catalyst is synthesized using this new material. The average size of PtNPs on the Mn3(PO4)2@BSA nanoflower is approximately 2 nm. The obtained Mn3(PO4)2@BSA@PtNPs nanocomposites are characterized by X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical results show that the Mn3(PO4)2@BSA@PtNPs catalyst also shows excellent electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation with higher electrochemically active surface area. The microstructure of the supporting material serves a crucial function in the electrochemical performance of the Pt-based catalyst.