Microwave-polyol synthesis and electrocatalytic performance of Pt/graphene nanocomposites

Graphene oxide (GO) prepared by the modified Hummers method is used as a support in the formation of a Pt/GO nanocomposite electrocatalyst by microwave-polyol synthesis. The effects of microwave reaction times on particle size, dispersion, and electrocatalytic performance of Pt nanoparticles are studied using wide-angle X-ray diffractometery, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and three-electrode electrochemical measurements. The results indicate that Pt nanoparticles nucleation and growth occur, and the particles are uniformly deposited on the GO nanosheets within a short time. The maximum electrochemical active surface area 85.71 m2 g−1 for a Pt/GO reaction time of 5 min, is a result of the deposition of a dense dispersion of small Pt particles. The highest methanol oxidation peak current density, If, of 0.59 A mg−1 occurs for a Pt/GO reaction time of 10 min and is due to the formation of interconnecting Pt particles clusters. This novel Pt/GO nanocomposite electrocatalyst with high electrocatalytic activities has the potential for use as an anode material in fuel cells.