Ionic liquid crystal-assisted synthesis of PtAg nanoflowers on reduced graphene oxide and their enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction

• Flower-like PtAg nanostructures were uniformly supported on reduced graphene oxide by a facile one-pot solvothermal method.
• Ionic liquid crystal [C16MMIm]Br was used as a capping agent and a structure directing agent.
• The as-prepared nanocomposites showed the enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction.

A simple and facile one-pot solvothermal method is developed for preparation of flower-like PtAg alloys uniformly supported on reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (flower-like PtAg/RGOs). Ionic liquid crystal (1-hexadecyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bromide, [C16MMIm]Br) is used as a capping agent and a structure directing agent. The as-prepared nanocomposites show the larger electrochemically active surface area, better catalytic activity, higher methanol tolerant activity, and longer-term durability for oxygen reduction reaction, compared with commercial Pt black, Pt-C (10 wt %), and RGOs catalysts.

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