Mesopore-functional carbon sphere nanochains and their integration with alloy nanoparticles for enhanced electrochemical performances

•We demonstrated the assembly of monodispersed CCSs into CCSNs by hydrothermal strategy.•We demonstrated the preparation of MCSNs from the CCSNs by a molten salt strategy.•Enhanced electrochemical performances in PtRu/MCSNs hybrid system were demonstrated.

One of novel porous 1-D architectures, mesopore-functional carbon sphere nanochains (MCSNs), with highly interrelated networks have been directly evolved from the colloidal carbon sphere nanochains (CCSNs) through a unique Li2CO3-molten salt strategy. The PtRu/MCSNs hybrid system, achieved by rational integration of 2.5-nm-size PtRu alloy NPs into the mesopores of MCSNs were prepared, and for comparison, the solid carbon sphere nanochain (SCSN)-supported PtRu NPs (PtRu/SCSN) and benchmark carbon (Vulcan XC-72)-supported PtRu (PtRu/C) were also prepared. It is demonstrated that the PtRu/MCSN hybrid system exhibited superior catalytic properties toward methanol oxidation with specially enhanced catalytic activity and desirable stability. The forward peak current density of PtRu/MCSNs (437 mA mg−1) was obviously much higher than those of PtRu/SCSNs (265 mA mg−1) and PtRu/C (310 mA mg−1). The onset potential of PtRu/MCSNs (0.24 V) is much earlier than those of PtRu/SCSNs (0.38 V) and PtRu/C (0.37 V). This attractive efficiency can be ascribed to the functionalities of mesoporous carbon support, which affords more efficient electron transfer and better mass transport, maximizing the availability of nano PtRu catalysts.

Graphical abstractOne of novel porous 1-D architectures, mesopore-functional carbon sphere nanochains (MCSNs), with highly interrelated networks have been directly evolved from the colloidal carbon sphere nanochains (CCSNs) through a unique Li2CO3-molten salt strategy. The PtRu/MCSNs hybrid system, achieved by rational integration of 2.5-nm-size PtRu alloy NPs into the mesopores of MCSNs were prepared and investigated. It is demonstrated that the PtRu/MCSN hybrid system exhibited superior catalytic properties toward methanol oxidation with specially enhanced catalytic activity and desirable stability.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide