Carbon-supported Pt nanoparticles prepared by a modified borohydride reduction method: Effect on the particle morphology and catalytic activity for COad and methanol electro-oxidation

Carbon-supported Pt nanoparticles have been prepared by a borohydride reduction method in a mixed water–ethylene glycol (EG) solvent with different EG content XEG. The synthesis in the mixed solvent modifies (1) the size and morphology of nanoparticles and (2) the intrinsic properties of the nanoparticle surface, which are manifested in an additional COad oxidation peak at a lower potential. Because of the combined effects of these morphological and intrinsic modifications, the Pt nanoparticles prepared in the mixed solvent with XEG = 0.67 exhibit 2.5 times higher catalytic activity for methanol oxidation reaction.

Research highlights
► Novel synthesis of Pt/C catalysts in a mixed water–ethylene glycol medium.
► Realization of 2.5 times higher catalytic activity for methanol oxidation reaction.
► Enhancement in activity by decreased particle size and increased nanoparticle dispersion.