Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
182093 | Electrochemistry Communications | 2007 | 6 Pages |
Pt/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composites have been prepared by mixing surfactant-assisted solubilized SWCNTs and Pt carbonyl complexes. Pt nanoparticles that are nearly monodispersed with a diameter of ca. 2.2 nm are formed on the surface of the SWCNTs and broadly dispersed (even at 60 wt.% loading) on individual and/or small bundles. Formation of the composite does not lead to a change in the structure of SWCNTs, and the composite exhibits significantly enhanced electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation. The enhancement in catalytic activity may result from the unique 1-D structures of SWCNTs, the uniform dispersion of Pt nanoparticles, and the interactions between the Pt nanoparticles and the SWCNTs. The SWCNT-supported Pt can serve as a high surface area support for fuel cell applications and a co-catalyst for methanol oxidation.