| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1416616 | Carbon | 2011 | 6 Pages |
Surface-functionalized graphene nanosheets (GNSs) were synthesized from natural graphite via chemical oxidation and subsequent thermal exfoliation. High Pt metal loadings, up to 80 wt.%, were deposited over the synthesized GNS supports and the Pt particle size was maintained at less than 3 nm. The current densities of methanol electrooxidation with these Pt/GNS catalysts were at least twice as large as those observed with conventional Pt/C catalysts. Furthermore, these Pt/GNS catalysts maintained high Pt mass activities with increased Pt loading on the working electrode, ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 mg/cm2. This improved mass activity indicates that our electrocatalysts are able to provide more efficient Pt utilization for alcohol electrooxidation compared to conventional catalysts.
Graphical abstractThe small, highly concentrated, and uniformly dispersed Pt nanoparticles were prepared over surface–functionalized graphene nanosheet (GNS) using a modified synthesis method. The Pt/GNS catalysts showed higher substantially Pt mass activity for methanol electrooxidation than conventional Pt/C. These highly Pt-concentrated GNS catalysts are promising electrocatalysts for low temperature alcohol fuel cells.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► The synthesis of surface functionalized graphene nanosheet (GNS) from graphite. ► The formation of small and uniformly dispersed Pt nanoparticles over GNS. ► The high mass activity of Pt/GNS catalysts for methanol electrooxidation.
