Green synthesis of a Pt nanoparticle/polyoxometalate/carbon nanotube tri-component hybrid and its activity in the electrocatalysis of methanol oxidation

The easy, room temperature and environmentally friendly synthesis of Pt nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is reported. Polyoxometalates (POMs) were used to serve as both reducing and bridging molecules. Characterization using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, etc. was performed and verified the structure of the prepared nanohybrid of Pt@POM/CNT. The nanohybrid showed a higher electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation reaction than did a traditional Pt–C catalyst and the other reported Pt/CNT systems. The POM also serves as a co-catalyst in the nanohybrid, which plays a key role in improving the electrocatalytic activities of the catalyst.