In Situ One-Step Method for Preparing Carbon Nanotubes and Pt Composite Catalysts and Their Performance for Methanol Oxidation

Carbon nanotubes and a Pt composite (Pt/MWCNT) with Pt nanoparticles well-dispersed on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared using an in situ one step method. In a mixture consisting of MWCNTs, ethylene glycol, H2PtCl6, 4,4-dipyridine, and dimethyl formamide (DMF), Pt nanoparticles were generated in situ and loaded onto the MWCNT wall with optimal Pt dispersions. The dispersion state and chemical state of the Pt nanoparticles and organic species on the Pt/MWCNT composite were investigated by TEM, XRD, XPS, UV−vis, and TGA. Electrochemical measurement demonstrates that the as-prepared Pt/MWCNT composite has high electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation and that the high activity is attributed to the higher dispersion state of Pt nanoparticles on the sidewalls of MWCNTs.