Synthesis of Pt–Ru@PThB catalyst by γ-irradiation and NaBH4 as reducing agent

Pt–Ru particles were loaded onto spherical polythiophene balls (PThB) and new catalysts, Pt–Ru@PThBs, were prepared. Pt and Ru ions were subjected to chemical reduction using NaBH4 as reducing agent or γ-irradiation in the presence of PThBs. The size, morphology, and composition of Pt–Ru@PThB catalysts were determined by transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and elemental analysis. TEM images of the Pt–Ru@PThB catalysts clearly provide evidences that Pt–Ru alloy nanoparticles are dispersed onto the surface of PThBs. The electrocatalytic efficiency of Pt–Ru@PThB was tested for electrochemical oxidation of carbon monoxide as well as for methanol. Pt–Ru@PThB catalyst prepared by γ-irradiation exhibits the enhanced electrocatalytic oxidation of CO and methanol. We envisage that Pt–Ru@PThB catalysts are suited for direct methanol fuel cells.