Outstanding hydrogen evolution performance of supported Pt nanoparticles: Incorporation of preformed colloids into mesoporous carbon films

•Introduction of colloidal Pt nanoparticles in ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC).•Carbonized PtNP/OMC coatings are homogeneous, conductive and show high surface area.•Nanoparticles retain size despite high temperatures due to pore confinement effects.•Coatings attach without binder which would block active sites or pores.•PtNP/OMC coatings reach two times higher activities in HER than commercial Pt/C.