Size control of carbon black-supported platinum nanoparticles via novel plasma reduction

An argon glow discharge plasma was used for the reduction of carbon black-supported platinum (Pt) catalysts with high loading of the metal. High dispersion of the Pt on the carbon black was obtained by such plasma reduction, operated at ambient temperature. The average particle size was 1.43 nm with 20 wt% platinum loading, whereas it was 1.50 nm with 40 wt% platinum loading. An increase in the loaded amount of Pt did not induce an increase in the particle size. A narrow size distribution has also been achieved. The plasma reduced catalysts show high activities for electro-oxidation of methanol.