Chemical reduced graphene oxide/AuPtPd nanocomposite for enhanced electrocatalytic ability

Trimetallic nanoparticles (AuPtPd) were synthesized and in-situ assembled on the surface of chemical reduced graphene oxide (CRGO). The obtained CRGO–AuPtPd composite was then characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. In cyclic votammogram (CV) tests, CRGO–AuPtPd showed to be a more active catalyst for methanol, ethanol and formic acid oxidation in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution than the same AuPtPd nanopartcles without CRGO. This work demonstrated that CRGO is a promising support to improve the catalytic performance of nanoparticles.

Graphical AbstractA chemical reduced graphene oxide/AuPtPd nanocomposite was fabricated by a simple one-pot in-situ assembly method. The nanocomposite showed excellent electrocatalytic activities for methanol, ethanol and formic acid oxidation in 0.5 M H2SO4.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The AuPtPd nanoparticles were prepared on the surface of chemical reduced graphene oxide (CRGO). ► The obtained CRGO–AuPtPd composite shows a more active catalyst; they can catalyze methanol, ethanol and formic acid oxidation in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. ► CRGO is a promising support to improve the catalytic performance of nanoparticles.