High efficient nanocatalysts synthesis by a semi-reflux chemical reduction system

Pt is one of the most employed catalysts for methanol catalysis in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). In this study, carbon nanotube (CNT) surface was used for catalyst reduction. By using ethylene glycol as a reducing agent, Pt catalyst precursor (H
₂
PtCl
₆
· 6H
₂
O) was reduced on the CNTs by a novel method called semi-reflux chemical reduction system (SRCRS). The SRCRS can effectively reduce the catalyst preparation time and the catalyst distribution density can also be much increased by adjusting the pH value. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and ICP-MS results were used for electrochemical surface area (ECA) calculation. The ECA result was comparable to that of commercial available Pt.