Preparation, characterization and catalytic behavior of Pt-Cu nanoparticles in methane combustion

Fine and well dispersed Pt-Cu bimetallic nanoparticles stabilized by polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) were synthesized by alkaline polyol method. The molar ratio of Pt to Cu was 1:1. Further, the Pt-Cu bimetallic nanoparticles were supported on alumina and their catalytic behavior in methane combustion was investigated. The as-prepared as well as the supported Pt-Cu nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fractal analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The dependence of methane combustion on the morphology and surface composition of Pt-Cu nanoparticles was analyzed based on the experimental results.