Controlled synthesis and methanol sensing capabilities of Pt-incorporated ZnO nanospheres

Platinum nanoparticles incorporated ZnO hybrid nanospheres (PtZONS) have been synthesized via electrodeposition which is easy to control over the size distribution range. The Pt nanoparticles in ZnO nanospheres have been identified with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Methanol sensing capabilities of the nanospheres have been investigated through electrochemical measurements. The electrochemical measurements prove that these nanospheres demonstrate the abilities to electrocatalyze the oxidation of methanol and substantially raise the response current. The sensitivity of the Nafion/PtZONS/glassy carbon modified electrode to methanol is 235.47 μA M−1 cm−2, which is much higher than that of a pure ZnO and Pt nanospheres modified electrodes. Furthermore, it has been revealed that the electrode exhibits a good anti-interference and long-term stability. Our investigation demonstrates that the Pt–ZnO nanospheres can be employed for various applications.