Co-electrodeposition and characterisation of platinum nanoparticle-multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposite films as good electrocatalysts

Abstract

Platinum nanoparticle-multi-walled carbon nanotube (Pt-MWCNT) nanocomposite films supported on titanium substrate were prepared by the co-electrodeposition method. This nanocomposite catalyst was characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electrochemical methods. The SEM images reveal that nanostructures are distributed at the surface of the titanium plate. Electro-oxidation of methanol was investigated in acidic media on Pt-MWCNTs/Ti electrodes via cyclic voltammetric analysis in the mixed 0.1 M methanol and 0.1 M H₂SO₄ solutions. The Pt-MWCNTs/Ti catalyst has good electro-catalytic activity for methanol oxidation. This novel Pt-MWCNTs/Ti catalyst can be used repeatedly and exhibits stable electro-catalytic activity for the methanol oxidation.

Keywords:

• Electrodeposition
• Nanocomposites
• Platinum
• Carbon nanotubes
• Film

Acknowledgements

The author would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Iranian Nanotechnology Society and Isfahan University of Technology (IUT) Research Council.