Electrodeposition and electrocatalytic properties of platinum nanoparticles on multi-walled carbon nanotubes: effect of the deposition conditions

Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were electrochemically deposited on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) through a three-step process, including an electrochemical treatment of MWCNT, electro-oxidation of PtCl42− to Pt(IV) complex, and an electro-conversion of Pt(0) on MWCNT. The effect of formation conditions for Pt(IV) complexes on the Pt nanoparticals transformed was investigated. The structure and elemental composition of the resulting Pt/MWCNT electrode were characterized by transmission electron micrograph (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The electrocatalytic properties of the resulting Pt/MWCNT electrode for methanol oxidation have been investigated. The high electrocatalytic activity and good stability of Pt/MWCNT electrode may be attributed to the high dispersion of platinum nanoparticles and the particular properties of the MWCNT supports.