Electrochemical activity and durability of platinum nanoparticles supported on ordered mesoporous carbons for oxygen reduction reaction

A facile procedure for synthesizing platinum nanoparticles (NPs) studded in ordered mesoporous carbons (Pt–OMCs) based on the organic–organic self-assembly (one-pot) approach is reported. These Pt–OMCs, which can be easily fabricated with controllable Pt loading, were found to possess high surface areas, highly accessible and stable active sites and superior electrocatalytic properties pertinent as cathode catalysts for hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells. The enhanced catalytic activity and durability observed for the Pt–OMC electrocatalysts are attributed to the strengthened interactions between the Pt catalyst and the mesoporous carbon that effectively precludes migration and/or agglomeration of Pt NPs on the carbon support.