Comparison between graphene supported Pt hollow nanospheres and graphene supported Pt solid nanoparticles for hydrogen evolution reaction

• Pt hollow nanospheres on graphene support (HNPt/G) were prepared.
• For comparison solid Pt nanoparticles on graphene support (NPt/G) were fabricated.
• Physical and electrochemical properties of HNPt/G and NPt/G were investigated.
• HER (Hydrogen evolution reaction) was investigated at HNPt/G and NPt/G.
• HNPt/G shows better electrocatalytic activity toward HER than NPt/G.

Platinum hollow nanospheres are synthesized by Co nanoparticles as sacrificial template and then immobilized on graphene nanosheets (HNPt/G). The as-prepared nanostructure is characterized by TEM (transmission electron microscopy) and EDX (energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy). The prepared HNPt/G is used as electrocatalyst for HER (hydrogen evolution reaction). For this purpose, GC (glassy carbon) electrode modified by HNPt/G was fabricated (HNPt/G/GC). Electrochemical studies show that HNPt/G has a good electrocatalytic activity toward HER. For comparison solid Pt nanoparticles were synthesized and decorated on graphene (NPt/G). The HNPt/G exhibit an enhanced electrocatalytic performance for HER compared with NPt/G.