Preparation of graphene-supported platinum nanoparticles in aqueous solution by femtosecond laser pulses for methanol oxidation

A simple and rapid approach for the deposition of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles onto surface of graphene in aqueous solution without reducing agents by femtosecond laser pulses is demonstrated. The formation of graphene-supported Pt in aqueous solution is confirmed by a variety of means such as ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Graphene oxide and PtCl62− are simultaneously reduced and Pt nanoparticles can be deposited on the surface of graphene. The presence of Pt on graphene is further confirmed by cyclic voltammetry. The value of electrochemically active surface area of the prepared graphene-supported Pt (58.9 m2 g−1) is higher than most previously reported preparation methods for graphene-supported Pt. For the electrochemical oxidation of methanol, the prepared graphene-supported Pt exhibits a mass activity of 295 mA mg−1 at 0.669 V, which was higher than commercial Pt catalyst and graphene-supported Pt prepared by electrochemical method.