Pt/3D-graphene/FTO electrodes: Electrochemical preparation and their enhanced electrocatalytic activity

We report a facile, low-cost and green route to fabricate platinum nanoparticle (Pt NP) decorated three-dimensional (3D) graphene assembled on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrodes (Pt/3D-G/FTO) with enhanced electrocatalytic activity. The fabrication process was accomplished by preparation of 3D graphene (3D-G/FTO) electrodes through electrochemical reduction of a graphene oxide suspension followed by electrodeposition of Pt NPs onto them. The Pt/3D-G/FTO electrode exhibits much higher catalytic activity and better stability for methanol oxidation compared with the electrodes prepared by electrodeposition of Pt NPs onto two-dimensional graphene sheets substrate (Pt/G/FTO) or bare FTO (Pt/FTO) under the same condition. These enhancements can be attributed to the high surface area, large void volume and high electrical conductivity as well as smaller size of Pt NPs in the hollows of the 3D architecture and a large amount of ridges on it.