The chemical functionalized platinum nanodendrites: The effect of chemical molecular weight on electrocatalytic property

• Polyallylamine functionalized Pt nanodendrites (Pt-NDs@PAA) were synthesized.
• The molecular weight of PAA affected the electrochemical property of Pt-NDs.
• Pt-NDs@PAA showed the improved activity for oxygen reduction reaction.
• PAA functionalization imparted Pt-NDs with selectivity for oxygen reduction reaction.

The surface chemical functionalization of noble metal nanocrystals is a promising strategy for improving the catalytic/electrocatalytic activity and selectivity of noble metal nanocrystals. In this work, we successfully synthesize the polyallylamine (PAA) with different molecular weight functionalized Pt nanodendrites (Pt-NDs) using a facile hydrothermal reduction method. The morphology and surface composition are investigated by transmission electron microscopy, element map, and thermogravimetric analysis. Furthermore, we detailedly investigate the effect of the molecular weight of PAA on the electrochemical property of the functionalized Pt-NDs. Electrochemical measurements show only low molecular weight PAA functionalized Pt-NDs allow electrolytes to access freely the Pt sites. Meanwhile, the low molecular weight PAA functionalized Pt-NDs show the excellent selectivity and activity for the oxygen reduction reaction in the presence of methanol.

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