Synthesis and Electrocatalytic Property of Platinum-Based Heteronanostructures

Heterogeneous nanostructures that contain discrete domains of platinum and other metals are attractive candidates as advanced fuel cell catalysts that integrate several different functionalities. In this talk we present the synthesis of platinum-based heterogeneous nanostructures in various non-hydrolytic systems. We show the controls over the nucleation and growth of nanoparticles are possible. Platinum nanoparticles can be deposited on different supports through the reduction of platinum salt precursors at elevated temperatures. Bifunctional long chain surfactants were used as capping and reducing reagents. The electrochemical properties of these nanoparticles were characterized in solutions. These catalysts showed enhanced performances in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) in comparison with pure Pt catalysts.