One-step dual template synthesis of platinum on mesoporous carbon nanowires for electrocatalysts

One-step methodology has been utilized to fabricate platinum catalysts on well-aligned mesoporous carbon nanowires (Pt/MCNWs) in dual templates which are the combination of porous anodic alumina (PAA) hard template and triblock polymer ethanol solution as soft template with evaporation-induced self-assembly technique. The mesoporous nanowires structure is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Pt/MCNWs has a higher electrochemical active surface area and better catalytic performance than a commercial Pt/Vulcan XC-72. It could attribute to the good dispersion of Pt and a special morphology of MCNWs. Hence, the Pt/MCNWs synthesized by the dual template method might be a promising candidate to be utilized as electrocatalyst.

► A novel Pt/MCNWs has been successfully fabricated. ► The Pt/MCNWs shows a high electrochemical active surface area and an excellent CO tolerance. ► The Pt/MCNWs provides long-term stability.