One-step Simultaneous Synthesis of Graphene and Pt Nanoparticles under the Action of Pulsed Alternating Current and Electrochemical Performance of Pt/Graphene Catalysts

Pt/graphene electrocatalyst for fuel elements has been obtained via the simultaneously electrochemical dispersion of Pt foil and expanded graphite by applying the alternating current. Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have revealed multilayered structure of graphene (3-5 layers) with linear defects of graphene sheets near 1 m. The microstructural characteristics and catalytic activity of synthesized Pt/graphene catalyst have been compared with those of Pt/Vulcan catalyst prepared under the same conditions. Pt nanoparticles of Pt/Graphene catalyst exhibit smaller average dimensions and narrower particle size distribution. It follows from the electrochemical study that the electrochemical surface area of Pt/graphene catalyst is 2.5 times higher than for Pt/Vulcan. Besides this, the activity in the electrooxidation of methanol and the stability of Pt/graphene catalyst are found to be superior to the analogous parameters of Pt/Vulcan specimen.