Pt–Co nanostructures electrodeposited on graphene nanosheets for methanol electrooxidation

• Co nanoparticles were electrodeposited on graphene modified GC electrode (Co/G/GC).
• Pt–Co nanostructures were loaded on Co/G/GC by galvanic replacement reaction.
• The physical and electrochemical properties of Pt–Co/G/GC were investigated.
• The Pt–Co/G was used as the anode electrocatalyst for methanol electrooxidation.
• The onset potential of methanol oxidation at Pt–Co/G/GC occurred at low potential.

Glassy carbon electrode modified by Pt–Co nanostructures decorated on graphene nanosheets (Pt–Co/G/GCE), is fabricated. Co nanostructures are electro-deposited on graphene modified GC electrode and then Pt nanostructures are loaded on the surface of modified electrode by galvanic replacement reaction between Co nanostructures and H2PtCl6. The physical and electrochemical properties of Pt–Co/G/GCE are investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The morphology of as-prepared graphene nanosheets is investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The prepared Pt–Co/G is used as the anode electrocatalyst for methanol electrooxidation. The fabricated electrocatalyst exhibits an enhanced electrocatlytic performance for methanol electrooxidation.