Facile synthesis of platinum–ruthenium nanodendrites supported on reduced graphene oxide with enhanced electrocatalytic properties

• A facile strategy is developed for one-pot synthesis PtRu nanodendrites supported on RGO.
• HDPC as a shape-directing agent plays a vital role in formation of PtRu nanodendrites.
• The porous nanostructures show high electrochemically active surface area.
• The nanocomposites display excellent electrocatalytic performance towards EG oxidation.

In this report, a simple and facile solvothermal method is developed for fabrication of platinum–ruthenium (PtRu) nanodendrites supported on reduced graphene oxide (PtRu-RGO) in the ethylene glycol (EG) system, using hexadecylpyridinium chloride (HDPC) as a shape-directing agent. The as-prepared nanocomposites show the superior catalytic activity and better stability towards EG oxidation, compared with RGO-supported Pt nanoparticles and commercial PtRu/C (Pt 30 wt. %, Ru 15 wt. %) catalysts. This strategy may open a new route to design and prepare advanced electrocatalysts in direct EG fuel cells.

A facile strategy is developed for synthesis of porous PtRu nanodendrites supported on RGO, using HDPC as a shape-directing agent. The as-prepared nanocomposites show the excellent electrocatalytic performance towards EG oxidation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide