Low-defect multi-walled carbon nanotubes supported PtCo alloy nanoparticles with remarkable performance for electrooxidation of methanol

PtCo alloy nanoparticles have been deposited on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) without damaging their intrinsic structures by a soft chemical method. X-ray diffraction depicts a good crystallinity of the supported Pt nanoparticles in the composites and reveals the formation of PtCo alloy. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images show that the PtCo particles are as small as 1–6 nm and uniformly deposited on the MWNT surface. Raman spectroscopy confirms there is a very low defect density on the MWNT surface. Compared with acid-treated MWNT–PtCo, low-defect MWNT–Pt and commercial PtRu catalysts, this low-defect MWNT–PtCo catalyst exhibits excellent electrochemical activity and high poison tolerance toward methanol oxidation reaction. The significantly enhanced performances can be attributed to the good preservation of electronic conductivity of MWNTs, the synergistic effect of the bimetallic active components and high dispersion of PtCo alloy nanoparticles on the MWNT surface.

PtCo alloy nanoparticles ranging from 1 to 6 nm have been decorated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes without damaging their intrinsic structures by a soft chemical method, forming a nanohybrid with remarkable electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► PtCo alloy particles are uniformly deposited on MWNTs via a soft chemical method.
► Our approach does not require cumbersome premodification or aftertreatment of MWNTs.
► The MWNTs in the composite have a very low defect density.
► The low-defect MWNT-PtCo hybrid has high activity for methanol oxidation.