Synthesis of fine nano-Pt supported on carbon nanotubes for hydrogen oxidation under alkaline conditions

Developing highly efficient and robust hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) catalysts with low Pt loading is essential for anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Herein, Pt nanoparticles supported on functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are synthesized by a thermal reduction for HOR. The influence of functionalization and the reduction temperatures on Pt/CNTs have been investigated. The results indicate that Pt/CNT obtained at 250 °C has high activity (77.4 mA mg−1Pt @η = 50 mV, 3.5 times of commercial 20% Pt/C) and superior stability toward HOR, attributed to the high dispersity of ultrafine nano-Pt on the nanotubes. The knowledge obtained in this work may guide the application of CNTs as the support for low Pt content catalysts in alkaline HOR.