Tetrahydrofuran-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes as effective support for Pt and PtSn electrocatalysts of fuel cells

A novel and simple method to functionalize multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is developed using tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent as the functionalization and anchoring agent. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by the synthesis of uniformly distributed Pt and PtSn nanoparticles on THF-functionalized MWCNTs. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction results indicate that Pt and PtSn nanoparticles with a narrow particle size distribution and an average particle size of ∼4 nm are synthesized on THF-functionalized MWCNTs. The lattice parameter of PtSn/MWCNTs increases with the Sn content, indicating the successful formation of PtSn binary nanoparticles. The results demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the THF-functionalized MWCNTs as effective catalyst supports in the development of highly dispersed and active Pt and Pt-based electrocatalysts for low temperature fuel cells. The successful functionalization of MWCNTs by THF also indicates that there could be a strong σ–π interaction between the MWCNTs and the THF.