One step synthesis of Pt/CeO2–graphene catalyst by microwave-assisted ethylene glycol process for direct methanol fuel cell

• Combining CeO2 and the promising graphene supporting material.
• Pt/CeO2–graphene catalyst was prepared by one-step microwave assisted method.
• Pt nanoparticles were better dispersed with smaller sizes.
• The electrocatalytic activity and stability were significantly enhanced.

Pt/CeO2–graphene catalyst was rapidly prepared by an efficient one step microwave-assisted process using ethylene glycol (EG) as a green reducing agent. Platinum particles are better dispersed on CeO2–graphene composite support with smaller sizes. In electrochemical test, Pt/CeO2–graphene exhibited higher and more durable electrocatalytic activities for methanol oxidation than a comparative Pt/graphene catalyst. The enhanced performance might ascribe to the general promotion of COads electrooxidation reaction kinetics by the addition of CeO2.