Synthesis and characterization of nanoporous metallic platinum

Nanoporous metallic platinum with a high specific surface area of 91 m2/g was synthesized by a templating method using nonporous silica nanoparticles. The templating reaction is constituted of four steps: (1) a coating reaction of a Pt compound on the silica surface; (2) reduction of the Pt compound; (3) dissolution of the silica by alkaline treatment; (4) removal of residual carbon in the nanoporous platinum by heat treatment. Thus, nanoporous metallic platinum, stabilized by a small amount of carbon, can successfully be obtained by a relatively convenient synthetic process. This material can be a promising model material for development of new scientific fields concerned with electromagnetic properties and a functional material applicable to fuel cell or catalytic reactions.