Graphene supported nano particles of Pt-Ni for CO oxidation

In this study, a series of graphene supported Pt, Ni and Pt-Ni nano particles were successfully synthesized by a simple impregnation method. The resultant composites were characterized using SEM, XRD, HRTEM, XPS and TPR techniques and their catalytic performance for the oxidation of carbon monoxide was tested. It was shown that in the prepared metal/graphene composite, metal particles were highly dispersed on the graphene sheets (GS) with an average particle size of 1-3 nm. The results of catalytic performance tests indicate that the activity decreases in the order of Pt-Ni/GS, Pt/GS and Ni/GS. In the sample of Pt-Ni/GS, Pt-Ni alloy was formed, which contributed to the high activity of Pt-Ni/GS for CO oxidation. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.