One-pot synthesis and electrocatalytic characterization of Pt nanoparticle/carbon powder hybrids induced by self-regulated reduction of sodium n-dodecyl sulfate

Pt nanoparticles of 1.9–2.5 nm were prepared on carbon powders via the reduction power of refluxed sodium n-dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solutions with various concentrations. It was possible to synthesize larger Pt nanoparticles with higher SDS concentrations. Simultaneously, larger Pt nanoparticles were formed on carbon powders when the Pt/C nanocomposites were heated to 500 °C. As supported by electrochemical measurements, the Pt/C nanocomposites prepared from 0.05 M and 0.25 M refluxed SDS solutions were found to have higher electroactivities. The electroactivities were influenced, not only by the diameter, but also by the amount of Pt nanoparticles on the carbon powders. In addition, the suppression of activities was observed for the heated Pt/C nanocomposites.