XPS/TEM characterisation of Pt-Au/C cathode electrocatalysts prepared by metal vapour synthesis

Monometallic Pt/C, Au/C and bimetallic Pt-Au/C nanocomposites have been prepared by metal vapour synthesis using Vulcan XC-72R carbon support. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the structure and properties of the metallic nanoparticles. XPS data show the absence of any significant electron transfer in bimetallic Pt-Au/C system prepared by successive deposition of Au and Pt nanoparticles. The only evidence of Pt-Au interaction is the narrowing Au 4f peaks in Pt-Au/C catalyst in comparison with those of Au/C system. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.