| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189838 | Electrochimica Acta | 2011 | 7 Pages |
An effective synthesis strategy of hybrid metal (PtRu)/metal oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles on graphene nanocomposites is developed using a microwave-assisted one-pot reaction process. The mixture of ethylene glycol (EG) and water is used as both solvent and reactant. In the reaction system for the synthesis of SnO2/graphene nanocomposite, EG not only reduces graphene oxide (GO) to graphene, but also results in the formation of SnO2 facilitated by the presence of a small amount of water. On the other hand, in the reaction system for preparation of PtRu/graphene nanocomposites, EG acts as solvent and reducing agent for reduction of PtRu nanoparticles from their precursors and reduction of graphene from graphene oxide. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations confirm the feasibility of the microwave-assisted reaction system to simultaneously reduce graphene oxide and to form SnO2 or PtRu nanoparticles. The as-synthesized SnO2/graphene hybrid composites show a much higher supercapacitance than the pure graphene, and the as-prepared PtRu/graphene show much better electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation compared to the commercial E-TEK PtRu/C electrocatalysts.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Microwave polyol method is efficient to deposit nanoparticles on graphene. ► SnO2/graphene is more efficient than graphene for supercapacitor. ► PtRu/graphene is more active than commercial PtRu/C for methanol oxidation.
