Template-free synthesis of rectangular mesoporous carbon nanorods and their application as a support for Pt electrocatalysts

In this work, we report a facile template-free strategy for the synthesis of rectangular mesoporous carbon nanorods (meso-CNRs). Rectangular crystalline nanorods of a nickel dimethylglyoximate complex are firstly formed in water without a template. Subsequent carbonization and selective removal produces meso-CNRs with rectangular morphology. The rectangular meso-CNRs possess a large surface area, good conductivity, and high porosity for mass transport, and they can be used as a support material for Pt electrocatalysts. The high surface area and porous structure of meso-CNRs facilitates the fine dispersion of Pt nanoparticles. Pt nanoparticles with an average size of 3.1 nm are distributed onto the meso-CNRs. The Pt/meso-CNRs exhibits significant catalytic activity towards the oxidation of methanol. The superior performance makes rectangular meso-CNRs promising for development as a good catalyst support.