One-step preparation of polyaniline-modified three-dimensional multilayer graphene supported PtFeOx for methanol oxidation

In this paper, RGO/PANI/Pt@FeO x with a three-dimensional multilayer structure is successfully prepared by the one-pot method, in which the introduction of PANI prevents GO from agglomerating, and also plays a crucial supporting role in the three-dimensional multilayer structure. SEM and TEM images confirm that the catalyst has a three-dimensional multilayer structure, and Pt nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed on the surface of PANI/RGO, with an average particle size of 3.2 nm. The electrochemical evaluation clearly shows that the mass activity of 3D multilayer RGO/PANI/Pt@FeO x (1.573 Amg −1 Pt ) is three times than that of Pt/C. After 3600 s, it retained mass activity is seven times than that of Pt/C. In addition, 3D multilayer RGO/PANI/Pt@FeO x catalyst has better CO tolerance than Pt-RGO/PANI, Pt/C and Pt-RGO. These results mainly originate from that the three-dimensional multilayer structure provides a larger specific surface area, N species in PANI can be conducive to the uniform dispersion of platinum, and the existence of FeO x improves the catalytic efficiency of Pt and the rate of water splitting due to bi-functional mechanism, consequently enhancing the CO tolerance of catalyst. Thereby, 3D multilayer RGO/PANI/Pt@FeO x can be utilized as a promising methanol oxidation catalyst. • 3D multilayer RGO/PANI/Pt@FeOx was synthesized by using one-step solvothermal method. • 3D multilayer RGO/PANI/Pt@FeOx shows good dispersibility and enhanced activity. • PANI improves GO agglomeration and supports the GO 3-dimensional multilayer structure. • 3Dstructure and transition metal oxide doping contribute to the enhanced performance.