A fundamental study of Pt impregnation of carbon: Adsorption equilibrium and particle synthesis

► As a rational catalyst preparation method, we have studied the adsorption Pt over carbons. ► Electrostatic adsorption of cationic Pt occurs over oxidized carbons at high pH. ► Electrostatic adsorption of anionic Pt occurs over unoxidized carbons at low pH. ► Particles prepared by electrostatic adsorption are small (1-2 nm) even at high. ► At long contact times, hexachloroplatinate also adsorbs reductively over carbon.