Surfactant-free PtSn intermetallic nanoparticles (NPs) supported on functionalized graphene sheets (FGS) were synthesized by the co-reduction of platinum acetylacetonate and tin chloride in triglyme. Despite the lack of surfactants, most of the particles are small (<5 nm) and are well dispersed on the FGS support. To determine the effects of the carbon-based support material on the NPs' catalytic activity, the FGS-PtSn NP catalyst was evaluated for CO-tolerant H2 electrooxidation against our previously reported PtSn catalyst, comprised of PtSn NPs supported on the standard Vulcan� XC-72 carbon black powder. While the FGS-PtSn catalyst shows higher activity for CO oxidation, the Vulcan-PtSn catalyst exhibits greater CO-tolerance. These observations show that the electrochemical properties and catalysis mechanisms of the two PtSn NP catalysts are remarkably different as a result of the support material.

PtSn intermetallic nanoparticle electrocatalysts: Effects of graphene-based supports on electrooxidation

244th National Meeting (2012)

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